Image Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

“I Don’t Even Think About It”- Jimmy Butler Downplays Facing Miami Heat for First Time Since Trade to Warriors

Butler will visit Miami for the first time since trade on Tuesday, March 25.

Image Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors are set to clash against the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center on Tuesday, March 25. The hype around the game is real as it will be the first time Butler will visit Miami since his trade earlier this year. However, despite the hype around the matchup, Butler is treating it like any other game.

After the blockbuster Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, another deal that got the NBA fraternity talking was the Golden State Warriors’ acquisition of Jimmy Butler from Miami Heat. Since there were talks of Butler’s potential move to the Phoenix Suns, the Warriors’ signing came as a surprise.

It’s been almost two months to the deal and it will be for the first time on Tuesday that Butler visits his former team with the Dubs. However, while everyone is excited about the game, it seems that the six-time All-Star is unfazed about it.

The 35-year-old opened up on it and said to ESPN, “Yeah, I was traded from there, yada, yada, yada. Yeah, it didn’t end the way that people wanted to, yada yada yada. But that’s so far behind me now. I don’t even think about it.”

Butler spent five and a half seasons with the Heat after the Florida-based franchise signed him in 2019. The team reached the NBA Finals in his first season, where he led in steals. Their second Finals appearance with Butler came in 2023. Over 313 games with the Heat, Butler ranked eighth in franchise history in points, assists, and steals.

However, Butler’s time with the Heat was not without controversy. Rumors of tension between him and the management was in spotlight before his trade. He faced multiple suspensions, leading to a bittersweet end to his tenure in Miami.

Also Read: Warriors’ star Jimmy Butler facing Lawsuit in Miami

In early February, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors. The the Heat acquired Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and a top-10 protected 2025 first-round pick from Golden State.

Jimmy Butler in Golden State Warriors

Jimmy made his debut for the Dubs during their clash against the Chicago Bulls on February 8. He joined forces with Stephen Curry, and put on a solid display to guide the side to a 132-111 win over the rivals.

Also Read: “Very happy I’m not getting suspended anymore” – Jimmy Butler takes a jibe at Miami Heat after Warriors trade

In his first game, Butler had 25 points, two rebounds and four assists, and since then, he has simply been unstoppable. In his first 19 games for the side, he has averaged 17.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists. The Warriors have posted an impressive record since the trade and are 16-3 with him since the trade.

Golden State Warriors

Jimmy Butler

Miami Heat

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.