The Golden State Warriors have looked like a new team since acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat before the February 6 trade deadline.
Until then, they had looked like a middle-of-the-pack team that would make the play-in at best. But now, the Warriors suddenly look like championship contenders.
They have been extremely difficult to beat when Butler and Stephen Curry have played together. In fact, that combination has lost just once so far as their games seem to complement each other perfectly.
Butler and Draymond Green appear to have struck up an understanding as well and that has made the Warriors significantly better on the defensive end.
So, overall, Butler seems to be a great fit on the Warriors. But before the trade, there were serious doubts as to how he would mesh with this team, both on and off the court.
According to The Athletic, in their first one-on-one, Warriors' coach Steve Kerr laid out his two non-negotiables: Show up on time and compete to win as part of the group. That was it.
Butler seems to be doing both of those things at the moment. Not only has his game added a new dimension to this Warriors team but his presence has elevated those around him as well.
The Warriors have steadily climbed up the Western Conference table since acquiring Butler and are currently sitting at sixth with a 41-30 record. They are 8-2 over their last 10 games and if they can maintain this form, one would expect them to finish higher.
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This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 7:16 AM.