Jimmy Butler’s Fresh Start with the Golden State Warriors
During his introductory press conference with the Golden State Warriors on February 7, Jimmy Butler got a glimpse of his new teammates outside, getting pumped for their upcoming road game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The six-time NBA All-Star couldn’t help but smile and remarked, “Those are my teammates.”
Butler was determined to leave the tumultuous situation involving his trade request and suspensions from the Miami Heat behind him. Upon joining the Warriors, he made it clear to his new teammates that his primary focus was on winning. “When I walked in, I said, ‘Yo, look man, I’m only here to win. I don’t care about anything else—points, shots, none of that. My sole purpose is winning, as it has always been,’” Butler explained to Andscape.
He added, “Show me some grace while I adjust to all of this. My energy is at an all-time high because I’m here, and my goal remains unchanged: winning a championship.” Since Butler’s arrival, the Warriors transformed from play-in tournament contenders to championship hopefuls in just over a month.
The Warriors had been in search of a reliable secondary scorer to complement Stephen Curry. Before Butler played his first game on February 8 in Chicago, the team had a 25-26 record and was sitting in tenth place in the Western Conference. The trade, completed on February 5, saw Butler move from the Heat in a multi-team exchange that sent notable players like Kyle Anderson and Andrew Wiggins to Miami. Butler’s reputation as a solid No. 2 scorer, averaging 17 points per game with Miami, fit the Warriors’ needs perfectly.
Even though Butler initially sought to join the Phoenix Suns, the trade to the Warriors materialized, and he felt a strong commitment from the team after signing a two-year, $111 million contract extension. “I wanted to be a part of a group that genuinely wanted me,” Butler said. He emphasized: “It’s crucial to feel wanted, as it signifies respect.” Butler’s conversations with Curry and Draymond Green further confirmed his value to the team as he was encouraged to bring his winning mentality to Golden State.
As Butler adapted to his new life, he reported being in a positive headspace, acknowledging that basketball doesn’t define his existence. Despite three suspensions at Miami for various reasons, Butler was ready to embrace a new chapter. The Warriors have thrived since his addition, boasting a 12-1 record in games Butler has played, including a five-game winning streak entering their match against the Sacramento Kings. Butler has averaged 17.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, while also uplifting Curry’s performance significantly.
Off the court, Butler has been settling into San Francisco, currently living in a luxury hotel as he searches for a permanent residence. He is also keen to expand his Big Face Coffee brand in the Bay Area. Overall, Butler expressed satisfaction with his new surroundings, stating, “The organization, the guys, and the winning spirit here are phenomenal. All of this contributes to my mental well-being, making me feel great.”
