Jimmy Butler is known for two things, and the Golden State Warriors are enjoying the benefits of one.
First, he has a long-standing reputation for turning franchises around and leading them further than they were expected to go. With the recent success in Golden State, it's safe to say that the Warriors fit the bill for that expectation.
Second, Butler often alienates himself from teams after disagreeing with management. He and the Dubs are still very much in the honeymoon phase, although the eventual reality of his track record is a constant threat, and at a point, the Warriors might have to walk on eggshells.
For now, it seems like the Butler gamble has been worth it so far.
"The Warriors are the second-hottest team in basketball, having won seven straight games," wrote *The Athletic's*Zach Harper (subscription required).
However, it's only a matter of time before Butler snaps, right? While that might be an inevitability, the Warriors won't be on the brunt end of it.
"The Jimmy Butler trade has been entirely transformative for them," he continued. "For the NBA fans who don't like Butler, their response on social media has been, 'Just you wait until he becomes a team cancer!' Well … he only disrupts the harmony when a team won't pay him, and the Warriors already paid him. The Warriors are 14-1 with Butler in the lineup, and he's not even scoring lately. He has 32 total points in the last three games combined. The Warriors look like they're back."
By the time Butler's contract expires, he will be 37 years old and Stephen Curry will be 39, so the Warriors won't be too concerned if he goes scorched-Earth.
Related: Jimmy Butler Can Score 'Whenever' He Wants to, But That's Not His Key Focus
After the 2026-27 season, the Warriors' title window will officially be over. Curry will be contemplating retirement, or at least playing a much smaller role, and if Butler still thinks he's a $50 million man, then the Warriors can just let him walk.
The trap they have to avoid falling into? Extending him into his 40s, but that seems like an easy pitfall to avoid.
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Related: Did Nikola Jokic Mean to Throw Shade at Jimmy Butler Before Nuggets-Warriors?
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This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 11:24 AM.