As the Miami Heat adapts to the addition of three new players, Jimmy Butler is going through his own adjustment with the Golden State Warriors after being traded this past Thursday. In his Warriors debut, Butler showcased the skills that made him a Heat legend, finishing with 25 points on 7-of-12 shooting, 11-of-13 from the free-throw line, two rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 29 minutes during Saturday’s road win over the Chicago Bulls. His presence made an immediate impact, with Butler registering a plus-16 rating.
“Just his presence out there,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s a lion. He’s a force.”
Butler’s 11 made free throws set a new record for a Warriors debut. His physical style, which contrasts with the Warriors’ fast-paced, three-point-heavy approach, adds an intriguing dynamic alongside sharpshooter Stephen Curry. “Opposites attract,” Butler said. “I can’t think of a better complement to him. Defenders won’t leave him, which gives me space to work. It’s so easy for me with him drawing so much attention.”
That chemistry was evident in their first game together. Curry exploded for 34 points, hitting 8-of-16 from beyond the arc, while Butler controlled the paint and drew fouls. “He’s the exact opposite of me,” Curry said. “I shot 16 threes; he shot one. He dominated inside, and I stayed outside. It’s exciting to see how this can grow.”
Butler is also focused on regaining his conditioning after missing time with the Heat due to three suspensions since early January. He has only played six games since Dec. 21. “I was tired—like someone who took a month off, not by choice,” Butler said. “I need more conditioning, but it’s just a matter of time.”
Butler acknowledged that adjusting to the Warriors’ system built around Curry’s shooting will take time after spending nearly six seasons in Miami. “I still catch myself doing things the way we did in Miami,” Butler admitted. “But they’re helping me adjust. Hopefully, by Monday against Milwaukee, I’ll make fewer mistakes.”
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat welcomed Kyle Anderson, Davion Mitchell, and Andrew Wiggins during their first practice with the team on Sunday. “We had a great practice today,” said Heat veteran Kevin Love. “They fit right in with what we’re trying to do.”
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra called the newcomers a “great spark” that brought much-needed energy. Bam Adebayo echoed that sentiment: “It’s a fresh start. I’m excited to have them in the lineup and ready to see them contribute to winning.”
INJURY REPORT
For Monday’s game against the Boston Celtics, the Heat ruled out Josh Christopher, Keshad Johnson, Dru Smith, and Isaiah Stevens (all G League assignments). Jaime Jaquez Jr. (stomach illness) is questionable, while Nikola Jovic (right ankle sprain) is listed as probable.
