Tuesday night will bring one of the most highly anticipated NBA matchups of the season as the Golden State Warriors take on the Miami Heat. All eyes will be on Jimmy Butler, who faces his former team for the first time since his controversial departure. After months of speculation, Butler has finally addressed the suspensions he received during his final stretch in Miami.
Speaking with The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Butler opened up about his departure from the Heat, setting the record straight on his suspensions and his rocky relationship with NBA team president Pat Riley. According to Butler, he had already made up his mind about leaving Miami well before signing with the Warriors. Still, when asked if things could have played out differently had he met with Riley after last season, Butler made his stance clear.
“No,” Butler said, indicating the tension had reached a breaking point last April or May. “Pretty much, yeah. I think I knew which direction I was going. Nobody ever asked me, though. So, y’all just got to jump to assumptions and conclusions.”
When pressed on whether he was surprised by how things unfolded, Butler dismissed any notion of shock. “No, not necessarily,” Butler said. “We can talk about it whenever we talk about it later on, but I think the suspensions were more about them not wanting me around the team. It wasn’t anything I actually did because I didn’t do anything too drastic to deserve X amount of games being suspended. But it is what it is.”
Jimmy Butler #10 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates a layup and a foul against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on February 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
Butler on reuniting with Pat Riley
One of the key figures in Butler’s exit was Pat Riley, who made it clear that he wouldn’t tolerate a player disrespecting the franchise. The two had already exchanged words before Butler’s departure, adding to the tension.
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So, how does Butler feel about seeing Riley again? His answer was blunt. “I got no thoughts,” Butler said. “I don’t [have] anything to say to nobody. I have no hard feelings. I’m in a better place now.”
Butler on Miami’s ‘Heat culture’ narrative
During the interview, Butler also shared his thoughts on Miami’s “Heat Culture”, a term often associated with the franchise’s demanding work ethic and commitment to winning. While he didn’t outright dismiss it, Butler believes the narrative has been overused.
“There was some foundation to it in the sense of the work and all that stuff, which is great,” Butler said. “I’m not saying it in a bad way, but I think it’s a little bit overused talking about ‘Heat Culture.’ It is a great organization.”
