After the NBA trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors welcomed Jimmy Butler after they executed a five-team deal. Butler has longed to leave the Miami Heat for a chance to sign a better contract extension. Initially, it was the Phoenix Suns that showed interest in the forward. Even the disgruntled star was open to the idea of playing for the Suns.
However, the Warriors entertained the trade idea to acquire the six-time All-Star. With Butler, Golden State has a new star who can play with the aging Stephen Curry and give the team a fighting chance to contend in the postseason.
Head coach Steve Kerr discussed the new addition following Thursday’s 120–112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Kerr stated that he does not personally know Butler and has never spoken to him.
“I don’t know Jimmy. Never actually spoken with him,” Kerr said. “I know from watching him that he’s a big time player, pressure player, postseason player. So that would fit well.
“In our locker room, we’ve got other guys who have been through the battles, been through the wars. I think when you put a group of guys like that together, there’s gonna be a belief, there’s gonna be a confidence that comes with that.”
Steve Kerr: “I don’t know Jimmy. Never actually spoken with him. I know from watching him that he’s a big time player, pressure player, postseason player. So that would fit well.” pic.twitter.com/LPGyqoWXa8
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 7, 2025
On Saturday, Butler might make his Golden State debut against the Chicago Bulls. In addition, if the former Marquette standout doesn’t play against the Bulls, he can play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.
Butler welcomed by the Warriors organization
Following the Heat-Butler stalemate, Butler eventually received what he wanted. He made his first appearance as a member of the Warriors franchise on Thursday. The six-time All-Star is thrilled about the chance to contend for a title once more.
“I would like to say that I am a winner,” Butler said. “I haven’t won ‘it’ but I would like to call myself a winner. I do want to win ‘it’ — it being a championship.”
The 6-foot-7 forward said he didn’t enjoy playing basketball with the Heat and wanted to move on, but he has nothing bad to say about the team he led to two Finals trips. Butler even had time to joke that he’s got his joy back before asking for a trade out of Miami.
“I don’t got too many bad things to say about them,” Butler said. “I don’t. They gave me opportunity. I felt like I did my job to the highest level. I have so much respect for that organization, for the people that’s running that organization and for my former teammates. And I’m always going to wish them the best. … I’ve got a lot of love for a lot of people over there in that organization.”
Jimmy Butler's first press conference with the Warriors! 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/lSZQNReKdb
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 7, 2025
Butler will wear No. 10 for Golden State.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
