Over a month has passed since Jimmy Butler left the Miami Heat to join the Golden State Warriors. Since then, much has changed for the San Francisco-based franchise, which seems revitalized since the forward’s arrival. Now, Dwyane Wade has shared his thoughts on the situation.
“At 36 years old, this is the perfect role for him,” Wade commented on Butler during a conversation with Carmelo Anthony in the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast. “If he stays in Miami, he has to be the star. If he goes to Golden State, he doesn’t have to be the star.”
When reflecting on Butler’s performance with the Warriors, Wade was optimistic. “I think Jimmy fits—not in the usual way you’re used to seeing—but he actually fits perfectly,” he explained. “There’s so much attention on the perimeter, and now Jimmy gets to play in that space down low. It’s a lot like how you see Draymond (Green) hit him in the paint. But this is the way Jimmy Butler loves to play basketball.”
Wade and Butler were teammates for a year with the Chicago Bulls between 2016 and 2017, which gave Dwyane a chance to gain insight into the Warriors star’s style of play. “He’s not necessarily looking to average 25+ points per game,” the former shooting guard noted.
Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade playing together with the Chicago Bulls during the 2016-17 NBA season.
“Yeah, Jimmy can go off—he scored 55 in a playoff game in Miami—,” Dwyane clarified. “But when I think back to practice in Chicago, Jimmy played with the second unit. And when they talk about Jimmy playing with the second unit in Minnesota—this is how Jimmy plays: 15 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists.”
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Jimmy Butler’s impact on Golden State
Since joining the Golden State Warriors before the NBA trade deadline in February, Jimmy Butler has made a huge impact on the team. He has played 14 games since then and holds an impressive record: 13 wins and only one loss, to the Dallas Mavericks.
In those games, Butler has averaged 31.6 minutes per contest and posted solid numbers that reflect his contribution to the team: 16.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.3 steals, with a plus-minus of +7.0.
Wade reflects on Butler leaving Miami
Jimmy Butler’s incredible present with Golden State has overshadowed the turbulent final months in Miami. The small forward was at the center of several unusual situations, including public statements that did not sit well with Heat president Pat Riley—leading to public responses—disagreements over his contract extension, suspensions, and inconsistent performances.
In reflecting on Butler’s final days in Miami, Wade shared his perspective during his 7PM in Brooklyn appearance. “If he stayed in Miami, he wouldn’t have gotten the $100 million contract unless he was averaging 25+ points and leading the team at a high level,” he said. “He got himself out of a situation where a lot would have been on him.”
