Jimmy Butler, in a deal not finalized, will be traded to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and a protected first round pick. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania tweeted out the story. When it is finalized, it will end one of the worst breakups in NBA history between a franchise and a player. Jimmy Butler’s legacy will be carry this scar and it washes away all the good he’s done in Miami since he arrived.
Heat Power play on Butler
Jimmy Butler, as per Brian Windhorst, stated to Golden State that he was unwilling to be sent there. He also told Memphis to “kick rocks.” But, the Heat in their ultimate display of management vs. staff, sent him to Golden State anyway. I wanted Jonathan Kuminga or Kevon Looney, but I’ll take Andrew Wiggins. With the Butler deal and the Luka deal, NBA owners have thrown their weight to players as to “who has the power in the league.”
Jimmy’s legacy in Miami
It is not yet known but very likely that Andrew Wiggins will wear #22 for the Heat. After 2023, there was talk being thrown around on whether Jimmy Butler would have his jersey retired for the Heat. Now, that won’t happen.
Jimmy Butler and “Heat Culture” became so synonymous in the last few years that fans are asking, “did Jimmy establish Heat Culture?” Dwayne Wade recruited him to Miami for cryin’ out loud. He would play dominoes with the old men at Billy Rolle “Domino Park” in Downtown. Jimmy Butler is/was an adopted Cuban as per the dubbed over videos of the local comedic group, “Los Pichy Boys.” It all fit so well!
Now, as breakups go, will be the first game Butler plays in the Kaseya Center. It was weird when Dwayne Wade played his first game for Chicago against the Heat. Lebron’s first time in Miami when he went “back home.” Shaquille O’Neal with Phoenix (that was easier.) The feelings will be bittersweet for sure.
Here are my Top 5 Jimmy Butler moments:
5. Kendrick Perkins calls the Heat, “Dem Goons.”
4. Heat go to the NBA Finals in the bubble.
3. Jimmy Butler wins the game against Chicago to get in the play-in
2. Jimmy scores 56 against Milwaukee
1. Jimmy gets the Eastern Conference trophy presented in TD Garden
I saw the look on Ernie Johnson‘s face — the anguish of presenting the trophy to the Heat. He sticks in a comment about Celtic greats before he starts the presentation. The NBA, TNT and ABC would constantly show deference to Boston during the Heat vs. Celtics playoff games.
Jeff Van Gundy, a former analyst for TNT, would show constant adoration to the Celtics, calling them “the most talented team in the series.” He adored them so much that he became a consultant for the team in 2024. The Heat vs. Celtics playoff series from 2020-2024 was the best rivalry in the sport. Any Heat fan could say Jimmy (and the Heat) won the series 2-1.
