The Golden State Warriors have pulled off a major trade, landing Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. Butler is a fierce competitor known for his clutch performances and no-nonsense attitude. He now heads to the Bay Area, ready to team up with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green
On February 6, 2025, the Miami Heat finally made a move many saw coming, sending Butler to Golden State in a four-team trade. Here’s how it all unfolded:
- Warriors Receive: Jimmy Butler
- Heat Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick
- Jazz Receive: Dennis Schröder
- Pistons Receive: Lindy Waters III, Josh Richardson
Butler’s exit from Miami was not exactly pretty. His time with the Heat had been filled with tensions over his contract; the team refused to offer him the two-year, $113 million extension he wanted. Missing about 25% of games in his Heat tenure didn’t help his case.
In January 2025, things spiraled. Butler was suspended thrice a month, with the final straw coming after he left a shootaround early upon learning he wouldn’t start against Orlando on January 27.
“That was the end. There was a lot said by everybody except for me, to tell you the truth,” Butler remarked after serving his first suspension. “We’ll let people keep talking… the whole truth will come out.”
Teammates, however, still respected him. “My brother, man. I’m going to miss him for sure,” said Heat forward Nikola Jovic. “I think a lot of guys here will. He’s someone who did a lot for this franchise.”
When asked about Butler securing his payday with Golden State, Jovic grinned, “That bag’s kinda really big.”
For the Warriors, this move signals an all-in push. Stephen Curry addressed the addition of Butler, saying, “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 even texted Butler at halftime to welcome him. Butler responded with a “pleasant” message.
The first Warriors-Heat showdown with Butler in a Warriors jersey is set for March 25 in Miami. We have mark our calenders down as we expect fireworks.
