Jimmy Butler III shocked the NBA world by requesting a trade after spending six seasons with the Miami Heat. However, his deadline-day move appears to have paid off — at least for him.
Since arriving in San Francisco, Butler has shifted his playing style, becoming more of a facilitator than a primary scorer. Now, Warriors fans are dreaming of playoff glory after Butler’s recent comments following a win over the New York Knicks.
Jimmy Butler III’s Promise of ‘Waiting for His Time’ Excites Warriors Fans
Since arriving in California, Butler has averaged 16.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in 15 games. While these numbers are lower than what fans are used to, Butler emphasized his new mindset after the victory over the Knicks.
“I’m not just a scorer,” Butler said. “I can score if I want to. I can shoot the toughest shots, and no one is going to say anything. But I want to get guys involved.”
“When it’s my time, you’ll know that it’s my time. Until then, we gonna pass the ball to the open man, get my guys some jumpers, get them out in transition, and we’re gonna keep winning.”
A clip of his interview with the media was posted on X, and fans went wild. Many pointed to Butler’s legendary playoff form and warned the Warriors’ future opponents.
“Playoff Jimmy incoming,” replied one user.
Playoff Jimmy incoming
— tatumhatecentral (@11and22gotnext) March 16, 2025
“Saving the scoring for the playoffs,” one fan added.
“Jimmy is fully bought in and doesn’t care about getting his? Like Leandro Barbosa once said, ‘We gonna be championship,’” tweeted a fan.
Jimmy is fully bought in and doesn’t care about getting his? Like Leandro Barbosa once said, “we gonna be championship.”
— 6th 🏰 (@Sixth_Castle) March 16, 2025
“Absolutely love Jimmy Buckets, man. U gonna see Playoff Jimmy—mark my words. He is a different beast in the playoffs. And with [Stephen] Curry, Dray[mond Green]… it’s gonna be ‘night night’ in the playoffs. Bring it on,” responded one fan.
“Anyone who’s watched him knows this is who Jimmy is. Just sit back and watch him get us to 5 [rings],” another fan added, who is expecting a fifth ring in Golden State’s Curry era.
Safe to say, fans of the Warriors and the NBA as a whole are more than excited for this partnership on the grandest stage.
NBA Insider Highlights Butler’s Transformation Since Joining the Warriors
NBA insider Shams Charania appeared on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” and noted that Butler’s camaraderie with Curry and Green — both on and off the court — has helped him rediscover his joy in the NBA.
“I think you’re seeing how that looks on the floor,” Charania said. “You’re seeing these guys smiling, you’re seeing them laughing, and you’re seeing them really come together as a group, and it’s translated on the court.”
“What word did Jimmy Butler use when he was trying to get out of Miami? He used the word ‘joy.’ I think his joy is back now in Golden State.”
Butler and the Warriors will look to continue their momentum on Monday, March 17, when they face the Denver Nuggets at the Chase Center.