After a long saga, the Miami Heat finally traded Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors ahead of the trade deadline. Since then, the Marquette alum signed a two-year, $111 million contract extension. Butler has appeared in six games for the Warriors so far. At the time of the trade, the Warriors were 25-26. However, they have since won five of their last six games and look like playoff contenders once again. Butler has made a big difference in Golden State, and his impact has already led to him making franchise history.
According to the Warriors’ official X account, Butler is the first player in franchise history to record 120+ points, 30+ rebounds, and 30+ assists through their first six games with the team.
Jimmy Butler III is the first Warrior in franchise history to have 120+ Points, 30+ Rebounds and 30+ Assists through a player’s first six games with the team. pic.twitter.com/LDYTKuRONY
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 24, 2025
In six games with the Warriors, Butler is averaging 20 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals.
How Jimmy Butler Already Made Golden State Warriors History
Jimmy Butler: ‘The Missing Piece’ for the Warriors?
Butler’s presence in Golden State also seems to be impacting his teammates. Recently, Draymond Green spoke about Butler and called him “the missing piece” for the team (subscription required).
“This team all year has been kind of like, ‘Man, we’re right there, but can’t quite get over the hump.’ But there’s a reason that you feel like you’re right there, but can’t quite get over. And the reason I think we all thought we couldn’t quite get over was because there was a missing piece. That piece isn’t missing anymore. That piece is him,” Green said.
Additionally, head coach Steve Kerr also praised his newest star, saying “he’s a real deal.”
“Jimmy, he’s a real deal,” Kerr said. “I mean, just a complete basketball player, methodical, under control all the time, plays at his own pace, never turns it over, sees the game and then can get to the line frequently. Great closer, not in the traditional sense where he’s going to be Kevin Durant and make four straight midrange jumpers, but it’s more of a complete game. Get to the line, make the right pass, get somebody else an open look, get a defensive stop, get a rebound. He’s a fantastic player.”
The Last Word
Butler has played well in Golden State so far. However, it is the team’s success that most stands out. After it seemed like the Warriors were genuinely in danger of missing the playoffs, they have climbed up the standings. They are currently 30-27 and are just five games behind the No. 5 seed Houston Rockets. It remains to be seen exactly what their ceiling is with Butler in the mix. However, his arrival is clearly paying dividends in Golden State. The Warriors still have a long way to go to be title contenders once again. At this rate, though, they could eventually reach that level by the end of the season.
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
