The NBA never fails to deliver drama, and Jimmy Butler’s trade saga is no exception. After months of speculation linking him to the Phoenix Suns, the Miami Heat star is now officially a member of the Golden State Warriors despite the concerns of Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry.
According to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, Golden State took an unusual step just before the trade was announced. During open media time, the Warriors suddenly closed their locker room doors as Steve Kerr addressed the team.
“The Golden State locker room has been closed just now during open media time. Steve Kerr is addressing the team. Players that were on the floor were brought back into the locker room,” Youngmisuk wrote in an X post.
Golden State has just closed their locker room doors during media time, per @NotoriousOHM 👀
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 6, 2025
“Steve Kerr is addressing the team. Players that were on the floor were brought back into the locker room.” pic.twitter.com/L3BqtHCvjg
To acquire Butler, the Warriors gave up Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick. The trade not only shifts the balance in the Western Conference but also brings an emotional farewell to Wiggins.
Youngmisuk also shared details of Wiggins’ final moments as a Warrior. After finishing his warm-up, he received daps from an assistant coach, security staff, and Stephen Curry. Several teammates also approached him to shake hands.
Jimmy Butler’s Undeniable Contribution In the Heat’s Legacy
When Jimmy Butler joined Miami, the franchise had been searching for a new identity after LeBron James’ departure. In his first season, he led Miami to the NBA Finals, marking their first appearance since the LeBron era. Despite falling short against the Los Angeles Lakers, he showed he was a true superstar capable of carrying a team.
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Butler again led the Heat to the NBA Finals as the No. 8 seed, making them the first eighth-seeded team to reach the Finals since the 1999 New York Knicks. Along the way, Miami became the first Play-In Tournament team to ever reach the Finals.
Under Butler’s leadership, the Heat became a dominant force in the Eastern Conference. In four of his five seasons with Miami, he led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals. Though he is no longer a Miami player, his Miami chapter will always be remembered as one of the most special in franchise history.
