Jimmy Butler only had one priority — the Phoenix Suns. Yet, $121 million commitment later, Jimmy is a Warrior. The picture changed drastically in the final hours leading to the trade deadline. Butler made his decision to come to the Bay Area and had a positive conversation with Stephen Curry. Was it his only lure barring the big chunk of change? The Warriors’ majority owner, Joe Lacob, now reveals that was not the case at all.
According to Anthony Slater, Jimmy Butler’s move to the Warriors over the Suns was dependent on past relationships. The Athletic reporter mentioned how GM Mike Dunleavy’s history with Butler played a key role in getting the deal over the line. “Mike knows him really well,” Lacob said. “Played with him. That’s a big advantage.”
The insider also highlighted Butler’s arrival at the Chase Center 30 minutes before the Lakers game. He met with Curry, Draymond Green and his teammates. Dunleavy, who played with Butler for 3 seasons during their time together with the Bulls, was instrumental in pitching the positive facets of the move. It was sold to Jimmy just like the former Heat star sells his coffee.
The duo played together in Chicago for almost four seasons, making it easier for the Warriors to build a connection with Jimmy. However, reports suggest that neither Jimmy was the Warriors’ first choice, nor were the Warriors his top pick. But a twist of events led to the massive change. But it’s settled now. The 6-time All-Star is all set to make his debut against his former team, the Bulls and Jimmy Butler is finally happy.
Leaving Miami wasn’t a tough decision for Jimmy, who had previously confessed that he didn’t find joy when stepping onto the court with the franchise. Clearly, he needed a way out. Moreover, the tension with Pat Riley, with both sides unwilling to adjust, only made things worse. Now, after his escape to the Golden State, the 35-year-old can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
“I know I have my joy back now,” Jimmy said after the move. “I would like to say that I am a winner,” he boldly confessed in the Warriors’ introductory press conference. “I haven’t won ‘it’ but I would like to call myself a winner. I do want to win ‘it’ — it being a championship.”
This is a developing news…
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