The Golden State Warriors found themselves in a rut at 25-26 before making a daring mid-season decision to trade for Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. Butler’s time in Miami had been tumultuous, marked by three suspensions and persistent friction with team president Pat Riley. However, his trade to Golden State seems to have breathed new life into both Butler and the Warriors.
Since Butler’s signing, the Warriors have transformed into a revitalized squad, boasting a 9-1 record in the games he has participated in. His impact has bolstered Golden State’s defensive efforts, propelling the team to third in the NBA for steals and 11th for blocks since the trade. Notably, the Warriors have outscored their opponents by an impressive 14.7 points per 100 possessions during his time on the court.
The Warriors are 9-1 in the Jimmy Butler era 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NCrG5xbIiJ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 5, 2025
Butler’s integration into the Warriors system has been swift; he is averaging 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game over his initial 10 outings.
The Warriors now hold a record of 34-28, placing them sixth in the Western Conference. Prior to Butler’s addition, they were positioned as the eleventh seed in the West. Their current standing suggests that Butler might just have been the crucial element they were in search of. Since his arrival, Golden State appears to be on the trajectory toward contending for their fifth Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Dallas Mavericks Were In The Mix For Jimmy Butler Before Warriors Deal
The Dallas Mavericks were reportedly one of the teams keen on securing a trade for Jimmy Butler prior to his eventual move to the Golden State Warriors. As noted by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Mavericks expressed notable interest in acquiring both Butler and Kyle Kuzma before executing their significant trade for Anthony Davis.
“Before the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic in a blockbuster deal to acquire Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick, the team also expressed interest in Jimmy Butler and Kyle Kuzma, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto mentioned.
If the Mavericks had landed Butler, he might have added a tough, veteran presence to their lineup. However, with Doncic’s departure and Davis currently out due to injury, the Mavericks’ roster is in transition, raising questions about whether Butler would have been a more suitable fit for the team.
Image Source: Jimmy Butler @ Instagram
