“We’re going to bring hell,” Jimmy Butler declared, and the Golden State Warriors are fully embracing the intensity he brings to the court. As Draymond Green made his way onto the hardwood for a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, he paused to share a warm moment with Butler, who was in the midst of an interview. Their camaraderie highlighted the mutual respect between two fierce competitors.
Green’s enthusiasm was evident as he greeted Butler with a broad smile and a heartfelt hug before dashing off to join his teammates. Butler, visibly energized by the moment, remarked to FOX Sports, “People like that, man, that’s who you want to go to war with. F—king dogs that don’t give a damn and do anything it takes to win.”
Butler’s excitement stems from a fresh start with the Warriors, following a tumultuous period with the Miami Heat that included multiple suspensions. He is set to make his debut with Golden State against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, a moment both he and the team eagerly anticipate.
Green is equally optimistic about this new partnership. He played a role in the decision-making process, providing his endorsement to Warriors’ general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. when the idea of acquiring Butler was proposed. “Everybody is afraid of guys who have some s–t to them,” Green stated. “But guys who don’t have s–t to them don’t win.”
Butler, a player who has made headlines for both his on-court excellence and off-court controversies, has a storied history in the NBA. He led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances and gained fame for his clutch performances, earning the nickname “Playoff Jimmy.” His journey through teams like Chicago, Minnesota, Philadelphia, and Miami has been marked by varying degrees of drama.
The Warriors acquired Butler after their bid to bring back Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns fell short. Durant, who won two championships with Golden State, chose not to reunite with the team, a decision that surprised no one, including Green.
In addition to the trade, Butler agreed to a two-year, $111 million extension that will keep him with the Warriors through the 2026-27 season, as he opts out of his $52 million player option for the next season. This financial commitment reflects the Warriors’ belief in Butler’s potential to elevate the team.
Joining a team that previously dominated with four championships from 2015 to 2022, Butler aims to help revive the Warriors, who faced challenges in recent seasons, including a second-round playoff exit in 2023 and missing the postseason last year. Currently, the Warriors sit in 11th place in the Western Conference with a record of 25-26.
Butler’s desire for a new beginning aligns with the Warriors’ need for another star alongside 36-year-old Steph Curry, ensuring that Curry’s remaining prime years are not wasted. The Warriors are optimistic that Butler’s presence will reignite their championship aspirations.
Curry praised Butler’s winning mentality, stating, “When the stakes get higher, he rises to the occasion.” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in Butler’s ability to integrate seamlessly into the team.
Green is convinced that Butler can lead the Warriors back to championship glory. “I think so,” he said. “We’ve obviously got to put it together and figure it out. But I definitely think this puts us in contention to compete at the highest level — 1,000 percent. You’ve got a chance to get one of the top 20 players in the NBA. That’s incredible.”
The prospect of facing Curry, Green, and Butler in a playoff series is daunting for any opponent. Butler confidently stated, “We’re going to bring hell to a lot of people.”
This season, Butler faced criticism for perceived lack of effort with the Heat, a point of contention for a player whose defining moment came during the 2020 NBA Finals, where he delivered a heroic performance despite exhaustion. He remains determined to shift the narrative surrounding him.
Butler has moved on from his time in Miami, stating, “I’m so far past that. I know what was going on. I know what they were doing.” He is eager to focus on his new role with the Warriors, who view him as a high-value addition capable of contributing to their success.
The tension between Butler and the Heat grew over time, leading to his trade demand. He felt undervalued and noted a significant decline in his offensive role, averaging just 17.0 points this season, the lowest since his third year in the league. Despite this, he maintained an impressive shooting percentage of 54% from the field.
Butler expressed relief at leaving the tumult behind, stating, “I’m just happy that I get an opportunity to play basketball again.” He is ready to contribute to the Warriors and regain his competitive edge.
The Warriors are hopeful that Butler’s arrival will reignite their championship aspirations, and Butler is focused on being the best version of himself for the team. “The best version of myself is what this team needs. And that’s what I’m going to be,” he affirmed. With renewed joy and determination, Butler is ready to show the league who he truly is once more.
