Jimmy Butler’s legendary trip back to Miami, now starring the Golden State Warrior’s own Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Fans in attendance welcomed him with a standing ovation that soon turned into half cheers, half boos. So he watched from the Warriors bench as the nearly 40-second video played in the arena above him. It highlighted some of his greatest plays while on the Miami Heat. The highlight reel included iconic instances such as his exhausted posture during the 2020 NBA Finals, evoking memories of his impactful tenure with the Heat.
Butler’s presence on the court was widely infamous, as he was booed every time he touched the ball. Despite missing five of his first six shots, he concluded the game with 11 points, six rebounds, and two assists. His return to Miami came nearly a month after his trade to the Warriors before last year’s trading deadline, a trade he’d originally requested. Along with this expansion, Butler was ready to sign a two-year, $111 million extension with the Warriors.
Looking back on his time in Miami, Butler shared his appreciation for his time with the Heat.
"I mean the video took me back to some good times when I was wearing a Miami Heat jersey," said Butler. "Very appreciative of those times, to help me become the player that I am, the individual that I am in this league, the teammate, the leader, all of those things."
Butler enjoyed the pleasures of home on his return. He went to his local coffee shop, played some dominoes with friends, and spent some real quality time with the family and children that he loves. He made time to reconnect with former UVA teammates like Cleveland’s Kevin Love. Despite the confusing reception from his future Miami fans, Butler was quick to compliment the city’s passionate fan base.
"I got a lot of love in the city for the fan base in Miami," Butler noted.
The pregame ceremony took Butler by surprise, because of the muted video tribute.
"I didn't know what was going on pregame because there was a video with no sound," shared Butler.
The public address announcer in Miami introduced Butler as the final Warrior in the starting five. This announcement made the waiting for his comeback even more electric. Butler praised the Heat and their coach, Erik Spoelstra, for preparing him to make his return in style.
"I thought the Heat were ready and that coach Erik Spoelstra had them ready for my return," commented Butler.
Warriors' coach Steve Kerr reflected on Miami's atmosphere during Butler's return.
"It was typical Miami, and I think the main part of Jimmy's return is that the Heat were ready and Spo had them ready. I mean you shoot 17-for-25 from 3, you're going to win. But I thought it was how hard they played, how well they competed. They took it to us tonight," Kerr stated.
Butler touched a bit on how formative his time with the Heat was to his overall evolution as a player.
"I don't think I could be who I am today without my opportunity here," Butler acknowledged.
As Butler continues his journey with the Warriors, he expressed rejuvenation and a sense of belonging with his new team. He talked over and over again about finding his joy again and how wanted he feels on this Warriors team. Looking forward, perhaps Butler’s most-telling indictment of Friday’s game was that it could be the most important of the season for his new club.
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