Jimmy Butler responds to idea that Suns were his first choice over Warriors

Jimmy Butler’s trade saga has finally reached a resolution, with the six-time All-Star now officially a member of the Golden State Warriors. However, reports leading up to the deal suggested that Butler’s initial preference was to join the Phoenix Suns. The speculation gained traction as rumors swirled about Butler’s desire to play alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, forming another powerhouse trio in the Western Conference. But in the end, it was the Warriors who landed the veteran star in a blockbuster deal that sent Andrew Wiggins and additional assets to the Miami Heat.

Butler addressed these rumors during his introductory press conference on Friday, offering a characteristically cryptic response to the idea that he originally wanted to land in Phoenix.

“The best part about everything (that came out) is I never say anything,” Butler said, per The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “So nobody actually knows what is really going on because it never comes from my mouth. Out of everything that’s been going on, I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to be able to play basketball again, meaningful basketball at that. I always leave it at that. I’m able to go out and be able to do what I love and I’m happy it’s for an organization like Golden State.”

Butler’s statement carefully avoided directly addressing whether Phoenix was indeed his preferred landing spot. However, the Miami Heat star-turned-Warrior appeared content with how everything played out. His choice to remain silent throughout the trade process also suggests that much of the external noise came from agents, team executives, and media speculation rather than from Butler himself.

Despite the persistent rumors linking him to the Suns, Butler emphasized his excitement to play for the Warriors. “It’s a great choice,” he remarked, a sentiment that is difficult to dispute given Golden State’s championship pedigree and the presence of generational talent like Stephen Curry.

One major factor in Butler’s shift toward embracing Golden State is undoubtedly Curry’s presence. The Heat, despite their consistent playoff success in recent years, never had a shooter of Curry’s caliber to space the floor for Butler. While Miami’s Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson provided perimeter shooting, neither commands the defensive attention that Curry does, which could open up the floor for Butler in ways he has never experienced before.

The transition from Miami to Golden State marks a significant change for Butler, both in terms of playstyle and expectations. In Miami, he was the undisputed leader of a team that prided itself on its “Heat Culture,” a mentality centered around toughness, conditioning, and grit. With the Warriors, he steps into a well-established system built on ball movement, three-point shooting, and high basketball IQ.

It remains to be seen how Butler will fit into the Warriors’ dynamic. Golden State’s style of play is heavily reliant on quick passing and floor spacing, which differs from the Heat’s more methodical offensive approach. Butler’s mid-range game and ability to attack mismatches could provide an additional layer to the Warriors’ offensive arsenal, but integrating his skill set into Steve Kerr’s system will take some adjustment.

Another question looming over Butler’s arrival is how he will mesh with Draymond Green. Both players are known for their fiery personalities and defensive intensity, and their on-court chemistry will be crucial to Golden State’s success. If they can find common ground and complement each other’s strengths, the Warriors could boast one of the most formidable defensive duos in the league.

Golden State’s acquisition of Butler also signals the franchise’s intent to remain in championship contention. After a disappointing early playoff exit last season, the Warriors were in search of a major roster shakeup. Adding Butler not only gives them another elite two-way player but also reinforces their commitment to maximizing the remaining prime years of Curry’s career.

For Butler, this move represents another opportunity to chase an NBA championship. Despite leading the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances, he fell short both times—first against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and then against the Denver Nuggets in 2023. Now with the Warriors, he joins a team with a proven championship core and a track record of success in the playoffs.

While Suns fans may have hoped to see Butler team up with Durant and Booker, Golden State ultimately presented the better trade package. Miami was reportedly unwilling to accept Phoenix’s offers, which centered around role players and draft picks, preferring the Warriors’ deal featuring Wiggins—a player with championship experience who can contribute immediately.

As Butler embarks on this new chapter with Golden State, he has made one thing clear: he is focused on winning. “I’m here to compete, I’m here to win, and I’m here to give everything I’ve got,” he said during his press conference. “That’s never going to change.”

Whether or not the Suns were his first choice, Butler is now in a position to chase a title with one of the most successful franchises in modern NBA history. His presence adds another layer of intrigue to an already competitive Western Conference, setting the stage for what could be an unforgettable season.