In a recent chat with the media, NBA veteran Jimmy Butler opened up on his trade from the Miami Heat and the prospect of facing them for the first time with his new team later this season. Rather than bash the franchise after an ugly departure, Butler praised the organization and shared that there are no hard feelings between him and the organization.
“It’s all love. I’ve been in the trenches with Miami for the past 6 seasons,” said Butler on The Kris Fade Show. “The way they want to beat me, I promise you it’s just as personal for me as well. Love those guys over there. Great organization. It didn’t end the way everybody hoped but that’s part of the business. I don’t have anything bad to say about that organization.”
Jimmy Butler, 35, started on great terms with the Heat when he signed in 2019. After forging a relationship with Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra, he took the reins as the leader of the team and helped them reach two NBA Finals (2020 and 2023) over six seasons. Alongside key contributors like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, Butler helped make the Heat a consistent threat in the East and the fear of teams like the Celtics, Cavaliers, 76ers, and Knicks.
Last summer, however, Butler’s trust in the Heat began to erode as he found himself in NBA trade rumors without a contract extension to secure his future. The relationship between Butler and Heat President Pat Riley got so bad that it turned the entire locker room toxic and the team had no choice but to suspend their star player.
The ordeal finally ended when Butler was traded to the Golden State Warriors earlier this month. Jimmy is in a new situation now and he’s entirely devoted to making the most of it. So far, with averages of 21.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game for the Warriors, he’s playing some of his best basketball in recent years.
On Tuesday, March 25, Butler will make his return to Kaseya Center in Miami to play the team that he abandoned a few weeks ago and the atmosphere is sure to be intense. For all the good that Jimmy accomplished in the city, he did not leave on good terms and neither the fans nor the team are likely to be in a welcoming spirit when he returns to their arena.
While he might not have anything personal against those he went to battle with, Butler burned many bridges on his way out of Miami and things will never be the same there again.
Still, Butler can feel good about his time there. Despite the sour ending, he gave his heart and soul to the Heat and he led them to prosperity when everyone counted them out. His run with the team will never be erased and even now he continues to praise the organization and the culture they’ve built.
With three years and $158 million left on his contract, Jimmy Butler still has one last chance to make a title pursuit with the Warriors, and his odds haven’t been this good in years. At 35 years old, Jimmy is still one of the best two-way wings in the league and if he can keep the peace in Golden State, it could be the place where he finally achieves the ultimate playoff success.
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