For the better part of five seasons, Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat seemed to have the perfect marriage. “Heat Culture” was perfectly in line with Butler’s on-court personality, and he took the proud franchise to two NBA Finals.
In 2024, however, Butler missed the first round of the playoffs, and Miami fell to the Boston Celtics. After the series, Butler said the Heat would have won had he played. In a moment of frustration, Pat Riley told him to “keep your mouth shut.”
Months later, Butler would demand a trade, although it took the Heat plenty of time to work a deal to send him to the Golden State Warriors.
GettyLAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the first half in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Butler Opens Up on Miami Misery
While Butler was still on the Heat, he cited a lack of “joy” and displeasure with contract extension negotiations as reasons for wanting to leave.
As soon as the Warriors traded for him, he was signed to a two-year, $121 million contract extension. The Warriors were quick to prove that he is a pillar of their success.
However, his unhappiness may have had nothing to do with basketball or money.
“The reason I’m extremely happy is because my kids are closer to me now,” he revealed in an October 12 interview with NBC.
“My kids are in California. So going that long, without seeing my kids, I was miserable. I tell everybody that’s the part of the game that the outside eye doesn’t see. You think it’s just basketball, but it’s not. So I’m happy because I’m wanted. I’m happy because I got an incredible group of guys. I’m happy because I know we can win a championship, but I’m happy because I get my kids around too.”
Butler’s kids and family live in San Diego, so now he’s in the same time zone and is only a short flight away from them, instead of being on the other side of the country.
Butler Reveals Goals With Golden State Warriors
In Miami, Butler was clearly the best player on the roster. His intensity on both ends of the floor lends itself well to being a high-level supporting player, but his talents propelled him to superstar status.
On the Warriors, Butler can take a back seat behind Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. There’s still immense pressure, but it’s on the team, not the individual.
“I know what I’m capable of,” he said, before focusing on the team. “I know what we’re capable of as a unit. I can’t wait to get this thing underway.”
The Warriors are dark horse contenders in a crowded Western Conference, but finding postseason success as a preseason afterthought is nothing new to Butler.
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