The Warriors choked away Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal game against the Houston Rockets, allowing a six-point lead to evaporate with a scoreless final three minutes in a 91-90 (what is this, 1995?) loss.

According to Marc Stein's Substack (via HoopsHype ), the Warriors are the best bet of the three teams mentioned in connection with Butler to make a legit play for him. Golden State does have a level of interest in the Heat star and remains very poised to “take a swing” on a significant move.

Attention turns to the Feb. 6 trade deadline, when a handful of elite players could become available.