While most NBA media and fans have been understandably focused on the Lakers’ blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić, their cross-state rivals have quietly been playing their best basketball of the season. Since acquiring Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, the Warriors are 10-1 with Butler in the lineup.
Butler Addition Makes Warriors Contenders Again
The Warriors were struggling at the trade deadline. Sitting at 25-26, Golden State was on the outside looking in, hoping to make another run at an NBA title. Analysts and fans wondered if Stephen Curry had lost a step and if the team’s decade-long dominance was finally coming to an end.
Butler had long been linked to Golden State, especially after his deteriorating relationship with the Miami Heat became public. But for a while, the deal seemed unlikely. Analysts even reported that the trade was off due to extension issues.
Then, as things often do in the NBA, everything changed. Suddenly, Jimmy Butler was wearing Warriors gold and blue.
Butler wasted no time making an impact. In his first game with Golden State, he dropped 25 points, dished out four assists, and grabbed two rebounds in a dominant win over a struggling Bulls team. He kept up that pace, averaging 20 points per game in his first six contests with the Warriors.
But Butler’s impact goes beyond just scoring. His presence has created better spacing, giving every Warrior more open looks—including the one guy you never want to leave open.
Since the trade, Curry has averaged 30.4 points, 6.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game with Butler in the lineup. In the 43 games before Butler arrived, Curry was averaging 22.9 points, 6.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. That’s a 7.5-point increase.
Draymond Green on being 10-1 with Jimmy Butler: “We’re trying to win a championship. And we know how much better we have to get to do that. So, think we’re playing good basketball. But we’re still figuring a lot of stuff out. Can get a lot better, will get a lot better.”
— Danny Emerman (@DannyEmerman) March 7, 2025
That’s a scary thought for the rest of the league. With Jonathan Kuminga set to return from injury soon, Golden State is poised for a deep playoff run.
“Playoff Jimmy” and Stephen Curry chasing another Finals? The league should be on high alert.