Although six-time All-Star forward Jimmy Butler III has forced his way out of two of his most recent franchises in spectacularly acrimonious fashion, he remains a terrific two-way talent on the hardwood.
The 35-year-old's midseason addition galvanized the Golden State Warriors, returning the club back into pseudo-title contention instantly while transforming its perimeter defense.
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After adding Butler in a blockbuster midseason trade, the Warriors closed out their season on an elite 23-8 run (23-7 with Butler in the lineup), en route to a 48-34 record and the Western Conference's No. 7 seed.
Now armed with a new "Big Three" of Butler, 11-time All-Star and two-time MVP point guard Stephen Curry, plus four-time All-Star and nine-time All-Defensive Team power forward/center Draymond Green, the Warriors had reclaimed their confidence and competitive swagger.
During a new conversation with The San Francisco Standard's Tim Kawakami in a recent episode of his podcast "The TK Show," Warriors head coach Steve Kerr revealed that Butler's former coach, Erik Spoelstra, had glowing things to say about the man who led Miami to two NBA Finals appearances in four years.
"Erik Spoelstra told me immediately, 'He's going to be great for you.' And I know Spo really well from the last couple of summers and I trust him," Kerr said.
Kerr and Spoesltra have both been on Team USA men's basketball program's coaching staff during the 2021 and '24 summer Olympic games. Kerr took over from Hall of Fame ex-San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich to serve as the U.S.'s head coach last summer.
"I believed him and he was right. Within a couple of days of his arrival, Jimmy was so easy to speak with," Kerr said. "He reminded me of Andre [Iguodala] with the basketball intellect, but also the interest in the world perspective and the maturity. It was really fun to get to know Jimmy right away and to see the impact he had on our team and our locker room."
In the postseason, Golden State made quick work of the Memphis Grizzlies during a play-in tournament clash and then proceeded to the playoffs proper.
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Despite a size and athleticism advantage, the Warriors upset the No. 2-seeded Houston Rockets in a seven-game first round slugfest.
In a new episode of his podcast "The Draymond Green Show," Green asserted that he, Butler, and Curry will all collaborate with Golden State's front office when it comes to roster construction.
"You just got to have a conversation ... what can be seen from the stands or from some numbers - it ain't always what it seems," Green said. "We'll be in the weeds ... trying to make it all make sense. The goals will be the goals - trying to win a championship. I stand on that 100 percent."
More Golden State Warriors News:
Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Reveals Big Offseason Roster Goal
Former Heat Star Calls Out Jimmy Butler After Warriors Playoff Exit
Warriors Are Reportedly Already Preparing to Trade for Celtics Star
Dwyane Wade Offers Blunt Reaction to Jimmy Butler's Playoff Run
For more Golden State Warriors and general NBA news and rumors, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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This story was originally published May 22, 2025 at 5:05 PM.