The Golden State Warriors are rolling right now since the addition of Jimmy Butler, who has become a connector on offense, a menace on defense, and brought a high IQ to the game.
The arrival of Butler seemingly helped refresh both Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, who are playing like they turned the clock back a few years. With this newfound life for the veterans, Butler’s impact on the team can not be denied.
Conversely, things haven’t gone so well for the team that traded Butler. The Miami Heat are struggling since they moved Jimmy Butler for Andrew Wiggins, which is interesting considering the number of games Butler missed before being traded. Needless to say, Heat fans are not pleased.
The Miami Heat Fans Are Not Happy With Pat Riley
While some fans were happy to get rid of Butler, given the drama that came with his presence, most are expressing their disdain for Pat Riley’s decision. The Heat are 4-17 since trading Butler, and they don’t seem to be trending upwards as the playoffs near.
Tyler Herro has been solid at times, as has Bam Adebayo, but it hasn’t been enough to win games. Andrew Wiggins has also shown promise, but the lack of a true No. 1 option in Miami has contributed to their lack of success. Fans took to social media to discuss the fallout of the trade, citing Pat Riley as the problem so far.
The Miami Heat are now 4-17 since the Jimmy Butler trade. pic.twitter.com/JSr4mmnREX
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 22, 2025
One fan suggests that Pat Riley can sometimes get in his own way due to an ego trip.
All thanks to pat Riley and his weird ego trips
— Nebula (@steadylockedin) March 22, 2025
Another fan has gone so far as to say that it may be the worst trade in Heat history.
Worst trade in heat history
— Nando 🍀 (@nando17celtics) March 22, 2025
Lastly, this fan thinks that this trade all but sealed the deal for Riley’s future in Miami.
Pat Riley can’t possibly come back from this one
— Danny (@DentedDanny) March 22, 2025
When this deal was made, there was no way of knowing what the outcome would be for either side, but it seems to have paid dividends for the Warriors. The Heat might have to make a move in the offseason to acquire a star or start their journey all over. Would Pat Riley be fine with his team tanking? That’s a tough question to answer.
Jimmy Butler III’s Impact In Golden State
While Butler’s impact can not be measured by his stats, what he does for his teams can not go unnoticed. Throughout his tenure in South Beach, Butler attempted to push his teammates into being better, finding ways to win and contribute, which has worked perfectly in Golden State.
While Jonathan Kuminga is still adjusting to returning to the lineup, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Quinten Post have raised their level of play since Butler’s arrival. What he provides for the Warriors is a secondary leader who knows what the task is and can take over when needed.
Both Butler and Curry are noted playoff risers with a chance to make the playoffs and compete against a tough Western Conference field. If Butler and Curry win a championship together, one can imagine the reactions to Riley from Heat fans after that.