Jimmy Butler‘s breakup with the Miami Heat wasn’t pretty. Suspensions were issued, a trade request was given and fans didn’t enjoy the standoff between the two parties. This led Butler to be traded to the Golden State Warriors and become teammates with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. On the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” the defensive forward seemed to have taken a shot at the fans of the Heat organization.
Green went on to recall what happened to Butler and his tenure with the Heat. According to the four-time champion, the six-time All-Star had the chance to leave Miami during free agency. However, he decided to stay with the team.
“Every year, people continue to ask, ‘They’re gonna bring in Damian Lillard. They’re gonna bring in Giannis Antetokounmpo. They’re gonna bring in this person. They’re gonna bring in that person to double down and help Jimmy take this team to a championship.’ That never happened,” Green said.
Green pointed out that Butler opted to stay with the team and spend almost half of his career in Miami. He believes fans should appreciate what the former Heat star did for the organization.
“And so, at a certain point, Jimmy’s in year 14. He’s given them seven years of his career. At a certain point, you just gotta appreciate what somebody’s given, and just they move on and it is what it is. In saying that, people aren’t always rational, and it is what it is.”
Green’s comments came after the Warriors visited Miami, which was the first time Butler played in Kaseya Center since he was dealt in a five-year deal at the trade deadline.
Golden State Warriors head coach talked about the atmosphere in Butler’s return to Miami
On March 25, the Golden State Warriors visited Miami as part of their six-game road trip. However, it was a tough environment for the Warriors as the Heat crowd was energized to see their team beat their former franchise player.
The fans got their wish as Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo led the team to a 112-86 victory. After the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talked about the condition in the Heat’s arena.
“Miami is a great place to live. People don’t ever seem too amped up around here. So it really wasn’t that rabid an environment. Typical Miami. The main part of Jimmy’s return is that the Heat were ready,” Kerr said.
Steve Kerr on the Jimmy Butler return environment: “Miami is a great place to live. People don’t ever seem too amped up around here. So it really wasn’t that rabid an environment. Typical Miami. The main part of Jimmy’s return is that the Heat were ready.” pic.twitter.com/BbeWUim60w
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 26, 2025
Butler couldn’t find his rhythm as he finished with 11 points and six rebounds on 41.7% from the field.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
