Despite how his tenure with the Miami Heat ended, Jimmy Butler is one of the very best players in the decorated franchise's history. He dragged them to two NBA Finals appearances, made two All-Star Games and three All-NBA teams, and averaged 21 points, six rebounds, and 5.7 assists while being one of the best defenders in the league.
After he and Pat Riley butted heads this summer, Butler opted to end his time in South Beach, demanding a trade. He was ultimately granted his request, landing with the Golden State Warriors, who are 16-4 with him in the lineup.
On Tuesday, he will make his first return to Miami as the Warriors take on the Heat, who have since fallen out of the playoff race.
Despite leaving the team on bad terms, it wouldn't be surprising if he gets a tribute video from the franchise, although fans will likely have a mixed reaction.
If Butler could have his way, he would avoid the fanfare and treat it like any other game and seemed exhausted when asked about what the game means to him.
"Yeah, I was traded from there, yada, yada, yada," Butler said to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk on Saturday. "Yeah, it didn't end the way that people wanted to, yada yada yada. But that's so far behind me now. I don't even think about it. I don't pay attention to nothing except for the trajectory of this squad."
Granted, it didn't "end the way that people wanted to" because Butler got himself suspended from the team multiple times instead of taking the high road.
Related: Former Warriors' Finals Rival Offers Emotional Gesture to Opponent
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding Butler's trade, it would seem that the Warriors are the biggest benefactors and look poised to go on a title run.
Check out the Inside the Warriors homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
Related: Golden State Warriors Hidden Strength Revealed Amid Playoff Push
Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 12:27 PM.