Steph Curry is expecting a “motivated and committed” Jimmy Butler when the veteran forward lands at the Golden State Warriors.
Butler was the centerpiece of a multi-player trade late Wednesday that ended his time at the Miami Heat, where things had become increasingly fractious over the last month.
Six-time All-Star Butler was suspended by the Heat for a third time last week after walking out of practice, intensifying Miami’s efforts to get him out prior to the NBA trade deadline.
And Golden State were eager to take him after a deal to bring Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant failed when the player said he did not want to return to the Warriors.
The deal broke down like this:
- Heat receive: Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, PJ Tucker, 2025 first-round pick
- Warriors receive: Jimmy Butler
- Jazz receive: Dennis Schroder
- Pistons receive: Lindy Waters, Josh Richardson
📰 Table Of Contents
Curry believes in Butler
Butler’s spell in South Florida ended in acrimony but Curry is confident the 35-year-old will add another dimension to the Warriors.
He said: “We know who Jimmy is. Being in two Finals, he’s a winner.
“I understand there’s a lot of drama down there, and who really knows what the story is. We expect to have a motivated, committed Jimmy that’s ready to impact our team for the better.”
welcome to the wild wild west 🎶 pic.twitter.com/dTh3njwWeX
— Jimmy Butler (@JimmyButler) February 6, 2025
Jovic saddened by Butler exit
Heat forward Nikola Jovic expressed his disappointment at Butler’s exit, saying: “He’s someone who did a lot for this franchise.
“He’s someone who helped me so much where I’m not sure if I’ll be here right now if there wasn’t him. I’m sad and happy in the same moment. Sad you’re not going to see him anymore. But I’m really happy that he got what he wanted.”
The move for Butler strengthens a Warriors team that has become too reliant on Curry and Draymond Green.
The downside is losing Andrew Wiggins, as coach Steve Kerr admitted. Kerr said: “It’s tough.
”You develop these relationships with guys. They give you everything and commit to the team. They got families. Wigs just had a baby boy last week. Wigs is one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached. Just a beautiful soul. A wonderful human being. We don’t hang that banner in ’22 without him, everything he brings, every single day, the laughter the smile. I am going to miss him, the other guys, too.”
