Jimmy Butler is wasting no time making himself at home with the Golden State Warriors, embracing a new role and team spirit after months of uncertainty and turmoil during his final days with the Miami Heat.
It’s been just a month since Butler officially joined the Warriors, but the change has already breathed new life into his career. Gone are the quiet hours spent alone playing dominoes and focusing on his off-court ventures.
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Now, Butler is locked in on chasing another NBA title, working alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as part of a team that knows how to win.
Reflecting on the months before his trade, Butler opened up about how he managed to stay grounded while waiting for a fresh start.
Speaking to Andscape’s Marc Spears, Butler said: “I’m healthy. I got my kids. I got Big Face brand (his coffee company). I’m good. I got the opportunity to go work on my s-. Work on my game.
“Be around my people. Play some dominoes. I knew I was going to end up somewhere where I was wanted. I knew I was going to play basketball again.”
A Rough Exit from Miami
Butler‘s journey to Golden State wasn’t smooth. After leading the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023, Butler‘s relationship with Miami soured during the 2023-24 season, especially after the Heat‘s early playoff exit at the hands of the Boston Celtics.
Reports emerged that the Heat front office refused to offer Butler a contract extension, sparking a dramatic fallout. Frustrated and feeling unwanted, Butler requested a trade, skipped team activities, and was suspended for missing a team flight.
Despite efforts from Miami’s management to repair the relationship, the situation quickly became toxic. Butler‘s departure was inevitable, and after just 25 games in that season, he was officially out.
Finding His Groove in Golden State
Now, Butler is thriving with the Warriors, a team known for its strong locker room culture and championship mindset. The adjustment has been smooth, and Butler appears happier than ever – focused on winning without any of the drama that marred his final days in Miami.
“I’m here now. The organization is great, the guys are great, winning is great, and we do any and everything that it takes to win here,” Butler shared.
“So that’s what makes my mental so great. We’re winning again. I love the spirit that surrounds. I do. There’s no talking about myself, which is great. Let me go drink my coffee, play my dominoes and leave me alone.”
Since his arrival, Golden State has surged to a 13-1 record when Butler is in the lineup, quickly climbing to sixth place in the Western Conference standings.
Though still viewed as underdogs for the title, the Warriors are gaining momentum, and Butler‘s arrival may be the missing piece they need for another championship run.
For Butler, this fresh start represents more than just a new jersey – it’s a place where he finally feels appreciated and empowered to be himself.
After months of tension in Miami, Golden State offers stability, camaraderie, and, most importantly, a shot at another ring.
“I knew I was going to end up somewhere where I was wanted,” Butler said – and now, he’s proving exactly why the Warriors wanted him all along.
