Not to be completely outdone by the blockbuster Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, the Golden State Warriors made a big-time deal of their own before the NBA trade deadline, landing six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler.
The Warriors acquired Butler in a four-team trade that saw the Miami Heat receive Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, P.J. Tucker and a 2025 first-round pick with top-10 protection. The Utah Jazz received Dennis Schroder while the Detroit Pistons received Lindy Waters III and Josh Richardson.
But while there were a lot of moving pieces, the Warriors landed the big fish. And Steph Curry seems quite happy to be bringing Butler into the fold.
Speaking to reporters last night, Curry said he expects Butler to be “motivated and committed” to having success with the Warriors in spite of the “drama” that plagued his final couple of months with the Heat.
“I know there was a lot of drama down there. Who really knows what the story is. We expect to have a motivated, committed Jimmy,” Curry said, via Anthony Slater.
Steph Curry on Jimmy Butler: “I know there was a lot of drama down there (in Miami). Who really knows what the story is. We expect to have a motivated, committed Jimmy.”
Curry text Butler at halftime tonight to welcome him. Butler text a “pleasant” message back. pic.twitter.com/w9deX8Ohdg
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 6, 2025
The drama Butler is referring to is a big-time, public falling out between the All-Star forward and the Heat. A slew of incidents ranging from publicly asking for a move to being outright suspended for missing key team events marred the final weeks of Butler’s once-celebrated tenure with the Heat.
The 2024-25 season has been one of Butler’s worst over the past decade. His 17 points per game are his lowest since the 2013-14 season when he was with the Chicago Bulls. Meanwhile, his 30.6 minutes per game are similarly the lowest since the 2012-13 season.
Suffice it to say, the Warriors don’t appear to be getting the absolute best version of Butler.
Then again, perhaps a change of scenery is all Butler needs to get back to consistently having 20-5-5 nights again.
We’ll find out pretty soon though.
Related: Jimmy Butler Has 6-Word Reaction To Getting Traded To Warriors