The Golden State Warriors’ Celebrity Poker Tournament: A Night of Surprises and High-Stakes Drama
Every year, the Golden State Warriors host a celebrity poker tournament that draws in some of the biggest names from Silicon Valley. These tech titans pay a hefty price for the chance to play Texas Hold ’em alongside Stephen Curry and the rest of the Warriors’ roster. The proceeds from this event go to the team’s charitable foundation, making it a night of fun for a good cause. Despite the presence of the Warriors’ players, no team member has ever clinched the tournament title. The closest was Gary Payton II, who once made it to the final table. Typically, the winner is a poker pro, a venture capitalist, or even owner Joe Lacob’s wife, Nicole Curran, who has won twice.
This year’s tournament was no exception in terms of excitement. Just after 9 p.m. on Saturday, a buzz swept through the Chase Center as news broke that the Dallas Mavericks had traded their 25-year-old superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. The news spread like wildfire, with attendees pulling out their phones to confirm the trade and capture the players’ reactions.
Stephen Curry was visibly stunned by the news. He quickly approached Draymond Green to see if he had heard about the trade. Green, unaware, joined Curry to verify the report on Curry’s phone, courtesy of ESPN’s Shams Charania. The reactions were captured and shared widely on social media, showing that neither Curry nor Green could maintain their poker faces in light of the shocking trade.
However, unbeknownst to most, another high-stakes game was unfolding behind the scenes. The Warriors were secretly negotiating a potential trade to bring Kevin Durant back to the team. Talks with the Phoenix Suns had been ongoing since early in the week, unbeknownst to Durant and his business manager, Rich Kleiman, until the Suns played the Warriors on January 31.
Durant and Curry discussed the possibility of a reunion on Saturday, just hours before the poker tournament. Curry wanted to gauge Durant’s interest in returning to the team he left after the 2019 Finals. According to sources, Durant expressed that it didn’t “feel right” and that it “wasn’t the time” to revisit their partnership. He was content in Phoenix and not looking to move.
Despite Durant’s reluctance, the Warriors continued their pursuit, hoping his stance might change once he realized the extent of Phoenix’s trade discussions with other teams. The Suns, Warriors, and Miami Heat had been engaged in a complex negotiation involving Durant and disgruntled Heat star Jimmy Butler. The Suns’ owner, Mat Ishbia, had publicly stated his desire for Durant to retire as a Sun, but with the team’s struggles in the Western Conference, the Warriors saw an opportunity to make a move.
This situation created a triangle of desperation: one team eager to resolve a saga with its superstar, another looking to upgrade its roster, and a third aiming to extend its dynasty. Ultimately, the Warriors and Heat reached an agreement, ending the Butler drama, while the Suns were left to navigate a potentially awkward situation with Durant.
Jimmy Butler’s Chess Game with the Miami Heat
While the teams were playing poker, Jimmy Butler was playing chess. His objective was clear: to force the Miami Heat to submit to his trade request. Butler’s desire to leave Miami was well-documented, with a series of events leading to his eventual suspension and trade.
Butler’s dissatisfaction with the Heat began to surface in late December when he missed 10 days due to an illness. On Christmas, reports emerged of his unhappiness and trade request. Despite meetings with team president Pat Riley and owner Micky Arison, the situation remained unresolved, leading to multiple suspensions for Butler.
Butler’s frustration stemmed from the Heat’s inability to acquire more help after their Finals runs in 2020 and 2023. He also felt his role in the offense had been diminished, with his touches and scoring opportunities reduced. The Heat, on the other hand, argued that adjustments were necessary due to Butler’s frequent absences.
Despite the tension, Butler maintained that his issues with the Heat were not solely about his role or Riley’s criticism. He cited a lack of alignment on certain matters, including a potential contract extension.
Ultimately, the Heat agreed to trade Butler, marking another stormy exit for the star player. The Warriors emerged as the destination, with a package centered around Andrew Wiggins and a 2025 first-round pick.
The Warriors’ Gamble and the Suns’ Dilemma
The Warriors and Suns were among the first to express interest in Butler once his trade request became public. Butler preferred a move to the Suns, where he could potentially join forces with Durant and Devin Booker. However, the Suns faced the challenge of moving Bradley Beal and his substantial contract.
Despite efforts to construct multi-team trades, the Suns struggled to find a solution. The Heat remained firm in their refusal to take on Beal, leading to frustration for Butler, who saw the Heat’s stance as a personal affront.
As the trade deadline approached, the Heat and Warriors intensified their discussions, ultimately reaching an agreement. The Suns, meanwhile, were left to deal with the fallout of their trade talks involving Durant, who was blindsided by the rumors.
In the end, the Warriors secured Butler, while the Suns were left to navigate their relationship with Durant. The Heat, relieved to have resolved the situation, moved forward with their new acquisition, Wiggins.
Butler, eager to join his new team, rushed through Los Angeles traffic to make it to the Warriors’ game against the Lakers. He expressed his happiness at being wanted and looked forward to contributing to the Warriors’ success.
As the dust settled, the Warriors were optimistic about their new addition, the Heat were relieved, and the Suns faced an uncertain future with Durant. Butler, for his part, was ready to turn the page and embrace his new chapter with the Warriors.
Originally Written by: Ramona Shelburne,Brian Windhorst
