When Jimmy Butler III officially joined the Golden State Warriors on February 6 via a midseason trade, there was uncertainty about how he would fit into the team’s cohesive environment. Despite Butler’s stature as a six-time All-Star, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr initially harbored reservations about the fit due to Butler’s turbulent exit from the Miami Heat. The trade raised questions about the potential impact Butler could have on Golden State’s locker room dynamics.
However, Kerr’s unease was alleviated through advice from a trusted peer. On May 21, during an episode of The TK Show with Tim Kawakami, Kerr shared that Erik Spoelstra, the Miami Heat head coach who knows Butler best, reassured him about Butler’s fit.
Erik Spoelstra told me immediately, he said, ‘He’s going to be great for you.’ And I know Spo really well from the last couple of summers, and I trust him. I believed him, and he was right,
Kerr said.
Background of Turbulence Before Joining the Warriors
Butler’s time in Miami had been marked by disciplinary issues, including three suspensions in January alone for conduct detrimental to the team, such as skipping a team flight. These incidents highlighted a strained relationship with the Heat franchise, making his arrival in Golden State appear risky. Yet, Spoelstra’s endorsement played a crucial role in overcoming these doubts.
Having worked alongside Kerr as an assistant coach for Team USA between 2021 and 2024, Spoelstra’s opinion carried weight. His direct outreach to Kerr demonstrated confidence that Butler’s competitive drive and experience would translate positively in a new environment.
Butler’s Performance and Influence with the Warriors
In the 30 regular-season games Butler played for Golden State, the Warriors secured 23 victories, eventually advancing to the playoffs via the play-in tournament. They faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round but were handicapped by the injury of star guard Stephen Curry, who missed all games after the opening contest due to a hamstring issue.
Butler’s postseason contributions were substantial, averaging 19.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. Beyond his statistics, Butler injected a fierce competitive spirit that energized his teammates, particularly younger players like Buddy Hield and Moses Moody, which helped ease original concerns about his presence in the locker room.
He was an absolute dream. I know everything that happened in Miami would not have suggested that, but I can only base Jimmy’s impact and his personality and all that stuff on my experience. And he was the model citizen. Just an amazing guy to coach these last few months,
Kerr explained.
The Aftermath for Miami and the Significance of the Trade
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat’s season suffered without Butler. Although Miami managed to secure playoff status by winning play-in games versus the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks, their postseason was short-lived, as they were swept 4-0 by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.
The trade has proven advantageous for Golden State, which benefited from Butler’s veteran presence and competitive edge. While initial hesitation surrounded the move, Spoelstra’s conviction helped Kerr embrace Butler’s addition, opening a promising chapter for the Warriors that could influence their trajectory in coming seasons.