Jimmy Butler made his triumphant return to Miami on Tuesday night. In his first game against his former team since the February trade that sent him to the Golden State Warriors, all eyes were on Butler as soon as he stepped inside the Kaseya Center.
The Miami Heat played a tribute video for Butler on their jumbotron prior to tip-off, a video that was met with a healthy mixture of cheers and boos from the crowd. Butler, was in the starting lineup without Stephen Curry, looking for win No. 17 out of the now 20 games Butler has dressed as a Warrior.
Prior to the start of the game, Butler made his way around the court, reminiscing with the former teammates of his choosing. Cameras caught what seemed to be his longest interaction, with Kevin Love, that ended with a hug, during pregame warmups.
Jimmy Butler and Kevin Love connecting pregame. Longest embrace between Butler and a former teammate so far tonight. pic.twitter.com/XJwr2oAESZ
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 25, 2025
Butler may have had choice words for Heat team president, Pat Riley, prior to his return to Miami, but the interaction appeared to be all Love between Butler and his former teammate.
Social media users had plenty to say on X, following Butler and Love's pregame interaction.
"Men they family," @yeoooo2123 posted on X alongside a broken heart and sad face.
"Kevin Love was really his guy tho Love tweets during the whole ordeal was hilarious won't be surprised if he finds himself into a Warriors uniform," @Efeso1001 posted on X.
"Awkward hugs or emotional reunion vibes," @Chillai_kalan said on X.
The Warriors took the court without Curry for the second straight game, as Curry continues to heal from a pelvic contusion suffered against the Toronto Raptors earlier in the week.
The Warriors struggled to create an offensive flow without Curry, falling to the Heat 112-86. Butler finished with just 11 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal against his former team.
Related: Jimmy Butler Sends Message to Warriors Teammates Following Steph Curry Injury
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This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 9:25 PM.