Jimmy Butler effectively ended his Miami Heat career with a disgruntled press conference. He began his opposite Golden State Warriors career.
The Warriors introduced the new forward on Thursday, with a 10th place jersey and many smiles. After receiving three different suspensions from the Miami Heat, Butler said he was happy to play basketball again.
“For me personally, I’m very happy to be able to play basketball again. But for an organization like this, with some of the great talents of Hera we have, I’m here. I’m glad you helped me get it, we think it’s why I’m here.
The beginning of Butler’s era in Miami came when he hinted that he had no joy in playing with the team and criticised his role under head coach Eric Spoelstra. The Heat quickly made seven games on him, then two games that he missed a team flight, and then stopped indefinitely once he left the shootaround.
Butler has played a total of five games since December 20th, averaging the fewest points and minutes of his career since his early days with the Chicago Bulls. The Warriors will upgrade his aging core and send out a first-round pick protected by Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroeder, Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters III and a complicated four-team deal. I’m still betting.
When asked how it would fit into the Warriors system with Stephen Curry, Butler had a simple plan.
“We’re good. We’ll give the ball to Steph and get in the way. It’s easy!”
Butler also received a two-year, $121 million extension to maintain Golden State until the 2026-27 season. Butler said the extension was not the main reason he wanted to trade.
“I’m not saying it’s a big part, but I’m happy about it. I think the biggest part was making sure I can play basketball again. I’m long Do what you’ve done in the past.
Butler played five and a half seasons with the Heat, enjoying the best team success of his career, and despite not having a star-studded supporting cast, he reaches the NBA Finals and playoffs twice a year. did.
Despite the ugly end of his heat career, Butler was free to the organization from the other side despite reports of his dropout with team president Pat Riley.
“I’m straight. I don’t have too much to say about them. They gave me the opportunity, I felt like I had put my work to the highest level. I mean I have great respect for the organization, the people who run it, and my ex-teammates. I always wish them the best.
“I have a lot of love for so many people in that organization. I just want them to know that I’m so grateful for the relationship I’ve built, and I’ve been doing it for the rest of my life.”
Despite the kind words, Butler has yet to be burned at least partially in any of the past four NBA teams without a bridge. His time with the Warriors represents an opportunity to defy that trend.
