Jimmy Butler made it to two NBA Finals during his time with the Miami Heat. He was traded to the Golden State Warriors earlier this year though.
A lot happened leading up to that trade as well. Butler made it clear that he wanted to leave Miami and was suspended on three occasions by the Heat this season.
Since joining the Warriors, Butler looks rejuvenated. On the other hand, his arrival seems to have had the same effect on the team, who are suddenly looking like championship contenders.
Butler's numbers might not be exceptional on paper but he has the ability to raise the game of his teammates.
Nobody will know that better than the Heat, who made it to two NBA Finals with Butler as the face of the franchise, exceeding expectations on both occasions.
Since Butler's departure, the Heat's season has fallen apart and they have slipped down to 10th in the East with a 30-41 record.
This week, Butler will make his return to Miami, this time in a Warriors jersey to take on the Heat.
Butler recently spoke in an interview with The Athletic and made it clear that he has no problem being painted as the 'bad guy'.
"You can paint a picture that is not entirely true," Butler said. "I don't even need to get into that. They know what they're doing. You got to paint somebody to be the bad guy. I'll take being a bad guy. Makes no difference. I'm here now. I'm competing at a high level and I'm helping the Golden State Warriors win. They want me here. Hell, I'm cool with being a bad guy over there."
Feb 23, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) drives past Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) during the third quarter at Chase Center. © John Hefti-Imagn Images © John Hefti-Imagn Images
Some of Butler's comments about 'Heat Culture' might raise eyebrows as well, especially since he was considered the perfect example of it during his time in Miami.
"There was some foundation to it in the sense of the work and all that stuff, which is great," Butler said. "I'm not saying it in a bad way, but I think it's a little bit, like, overused talking about the ‘Heat Culture.' It is a great organization. But I think a large part of that culture is you get guys that buy into a (winning mindset). You get some guys that buy in, you get some really good players and you get the opportunity to talk about ‘Heat Culture' a little bit more. I''m not saying it to talk down or anything, but I think whenever you have really good players you can name it whatever you want to name it."
When Butler returns to the Kaseya Center for the first time since leaving the Heat, one would expect him to be determined to put in a good performance.
These are the types of games in which players like Butler rise to the occasion. It would come as no surprise if we get an early glimpse of 'Playoff Jimmy' in South Beach this week.
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This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 12:52 PM.