Jimmy Butler's Candid Statement After Warriors' Blowout Loss to Heat

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler spoke after getting blown out by his former team

Mar 25, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) and Miami Heat guard Alec Burks (18) look on during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

On Tuesday night, Jimmy Butler made his long-awaited return to Miami after forcing his way out from the Heat organization. It was a moment met not only with hostility from the fans but also an unexpected blowout loss for the Warriors.

Even though Butler was suspended from the Heat numerous times in his bumpy departure, he still took the team to numerous NBA Finals trips. For that reason alone, the team gave him a tribute video that they aired in the arena.

The Jimmy Butler’s Heat tribute video

(via @NotoriousOHM)pic.twitter.com/XYOoL5dWnB

— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) March 25, 2025

Despite the hostility, Butler gave a very reserved response when asked about his former team. In his eyes, the closure was given from the moment he was traded.

"It was behind me a long time ago," Butler said. "Soon as I ended up a (Warrior), everything that went on — it was dead. I'm always focused on the right now and what's to come. I'm here as a (Warrior) and I've got a job to do."

Did tonight's return to Miami serve as closure for Jimmy Butler?

"It was behind me a long time ago. Soon as I ended up a (Warrior), everything that went on — it was dead. I'm always focused on the right now and what's to come. I'm here as a (Warrior) and I've got a job to do."

— Danny Emerman (@DannyEmerman) March 26, 2025

Without Steph Curry available, Butler didn't play to the expectations needed for the Warriors to win and was held to 11 points and 6 rebounds. Butler's numbers were far lower than his season average of 17.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 49/29/82 from the field.

Butler: "A chapter has ended and a new one has begun, but ... like I always say, I'm very appreciative for my time here. The bonds that I've built here. When you look down the road, I mean, this was a huge part of my career. I continue to say I'm very grateful."

— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) March 26, 2025

The Warriors will be back in action on Friday night when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans in what Steve Kerr has labeled as the biggest game of the season.

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