You're saying it's impossible to sign a max free agent with a 17m contract when you're giving up your lottery pick and Amir, Kelly, and others?
Off the top of my head you would have to do all you have said and then also give up Avery and someone with the salary of marcus.
so you would have to get rid of scrubs and role players for superstars. You wouldn't do it?
Both Hayward and Butler are stars.
Anthony Davis, Lebron James, and Kevin Durant are superstars.
I would not give up all that for Butler, and honestly I don't think that Danny will either, regardless of what is being reported. Last year Danny offer Chicago #3, #16 and Crowder for Butler. Right now Butler has one year less on his contract, is one year older, his knees are worrisome to say the least and the Warriors are in their prime.
The trade down to lessen salary makes sense if Markelle's medicals were not so great but Danny isn't going to trade everything Stephen A is saying for Butler. If Butler were 5 years younger he would, but to quote Wyc Grousebeck at the draft lottery, we are only going to trade the pick away for "the second coming".
This means a generational player. Butler, George, and so many names who have been thrown out there are not generational players. If you really think Butler is a superstar, the term "superstar" needs to be redefined. Superstar doesn't mean all-star. Danny isn't trading all that away for 2 years of an all star close to the age of 30.