Jimmy Butler embraces a fresh start with the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler’s tenure with the Miami Heat ended in turmoil, but his introduction with the Golden State Warriors was the complete opposite. The Warriors officially welcomed Butler on Thursday, presenting him with a No. 10 jersey and a fresh start in San Francisco. After enduring three separate suspensions from the Heat, Butler expressed relief and excitement about returning to the court, emphasizing his commitment to helping Golden State compete for another championship.
“I’m just so happy to be playing basketball again, honestly. But for an organization like this one, with some hella fine talent that we have, I’m glad that I get the opportunity to get here and help get us to winning and do something special. I think that’s why I’m here. I will do my best to do what everybody wants: win a championship. I mean it,” Butler said during his introductory press conference.
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The fallout in Miami began when Butler voiced his dissatisfaction with his role under head coach Erik Spoelstra and suggested he no longer found joy in playing for the team. This led to an immediate seven-game suspension and additional disciplinary actions for missing a team flight and walking out of a shootaround. Since December 20, Butler had played just five games, logging his lowest scoring and minute averages since his early days with the Chicago Bulls.
Despite the controversy, the Warriors saw an opportunity to add a proven competitor to their roster. They completed a complex four-team trade that sent Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters III, and a protected first-round pick to various destinations. With Golden State’s veteran core ageing, Butler is expected to inject energy and experience into the lineup alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Butler responded lightheartedly but clearly when asked about his role in the Warriors’ system: “We’re good. Pass the ball to Steph and get out of the way. Easy!”
The trade also brought financial security for Butler, as the Warriors extended his contract for two years at $121 million, locking him in through the 2026-27 season—coinciding with the final year of Curry’s current deal. While Butler acknowledged the extension, he insisted that his primary motivation was to return to the game he loves.
“I’m not going to say that was a big part, but I’m happy about it. I think the biggest part was getting me to be able to play basketball again. I want to be able to go out there and do what I’ve been doing for a very long time … I’m very, very, very happy that I’m not getting suspended anymore.”
During his five and a half seasons with the Heat, Butler led the team to two NBA Finals appearances and the playoffs each year, even without a superstar supporting cast. Although his departure was contentious, he expressed gratitude for his time in Miami and the relationships he built along the way.
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“I’m straight. I don’t have too many bad things to say about them. They gave me an opportunity; I did my job to the highest level. I have so much respect for that organization, the people running it, and my former teammates. I’ll always wish them the best. I have a lot of love for many people over there at that organization, and I want them to know I’m very grateful for the relationships that I have built and that I’ll keep for a lifetime.”
While Butler spoke highly of the Heat, his history suggests that parting with teams has rarely been smooth. Having left previous stops in Chicago, Minnesota, Philadelphia, and now Miami under contentious circumstances, his time in the Golden State presents an opportunity to change the narrative. With championship aspirations still at the forefront of his career, Butler’s ability to fit into the Warriors’ culture and contribute at a high level will determine whether this new chapter ends differently.
