The Jimmy Butler III trade has almost immediately paid dividends for the Golden State Warriors. Since coming over, he’s been the catalyst for a team that is firing on all cylinders. They look to be rejoining the playoff hunt and Butler remains at the center of it all.
However, alongside Butler, massive credit goes to head coach Steve Kerr, who’s figured out a new rotation on the fly while incorporating another superstar into the squad. The initial results are exceptional, and Kerr wants to continue with his bread and butter.
Steve Kerr Sticking With His Starting Five Has Jimmy Butler’s Approval
At the height of their powers, with the dynasty in full swing, what made the Warriors practically unbeatable was their dreaded small ball lineup. Deploying Draymond Green at center, they would run wild all over the court with incredible team basketball on display.
After years of replication, it looks like Kerr has found his old mantra again, with Butler the perfect glue to make it all click. Since being traded, the team has tried out a few different starting lineups.
However, it looks like the answer has finally arrived in the form of Stephen Curry, Branden Podziemski, Butler, Green, and Moses Moody. With the move paying dividends, Anthony Slater reported that Kerr was going to stick with this starting five moving forward.
Steve Kerr is committing to a small-ball starting five in which Jimmy Butler, at 6 foot 7, is the tallest player. Butler: “I’ll take it. I love it. I really do. You’ve just got some feisty individuals out there.” https://t.co/oGuhB9dM7G
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 22, 2025
They are 4-1 since the trade became official, and the Butler incorporation has worked like a charm on the defensive end. In Podziemski, Butler, Moody, and Green, Golden State has four versatile defenders who can guard three to four positions each.
That flexibility allows them to thrive on defense. In particular, the Podziemski, Green, and Butler trio has been a menace on the defensive end. They are allowing just 93.6 points per 100 possessions, with the team holding a net rating of +18.6 in their 64 minutes together.
To put it in perspective, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have the best defensive rating in the NBA, allow 104.5 points per possession. It is no wonder Butler, the tallest player in the lineup at 6’7″, loves the results the change brings.
“I’ll take it. I love it. I really do. You’ve just got some feisty individuals out there.”
If they continue trending in the right direction, it could also mean Butler delivers on his promise. Right after signing an extension following the trade to Golden State, Butler made a proclamation to bring another title to the Bay.
The early returns are undeniable, but it remains to be seen if he can honor his vow to the fans and the franchise.
