SAN FRANCISCO — Following the Golden State Warriors’ five-game trip, Jimmy Butler had a brief discussion with Steve Kerr in the visiting locker room after the game in Brooklyn. Butler informed Kerr that he would not be flying back to San Francisco with the team as he needed to head to Miami to pick up his children.
Butler has opted not to stay at the team hotel during the Warriors’ upcoming four-day stay in Miami, choosing instead to spend time with his children, who reside there. This arrangement allows him more space and privacy, as he intends to integrate his family into his new environment.
Immediately after the Brooklyn game, Butler expressed to Kerr, “I’m finna fly home and grab my kids,” to which Kerr responded, “Oh, OK. Yeah. See you back in the Bay.” This was not a request but a heads-up, emphasizing Butler’s commitment to his family over everything else.
Butler’s influence in the team is one of the perks he’s earned from his stature and previous successes. He quickly established a relationship with Kerr, who stated his expectations: punctuality and a competitive spirit. Butler is known for his commitment to these principles.
Kerr highlighted the team’s accepting nature, emphasizing a culture that values personal expression and individuality within the team. This environment is ideal for Butler, who is recognized for his winning attitude. Since Butler joined the Warriors, their performance has markedly improved, transitioning from 25-26 to 16-4.
As Butler picked up the Warriors to a 4-1 record on their road trip, he was ready for the team’s next scheduled plans. He confidently stated he was unbothered by how Kerr perceived his decision to spend time with his family. “Nothing comes before my family. Not a game. Not nothing,” he asserted.
Despite Butler’s complex past with the Miami Heat, including a good run that didn’t culminate in a championship, he values the winning mindset nurtured in Miami. The upcoming reunion game against the Heat will evoke mixed emotions, yet Butler remains focused on winning above all else during his tenure with the Warriors.
