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[Saba Sports News] Jimmy Butler is gearing up for a return to Miami — but don’t expect a wave of nostalgia.
On Tuesday night, Butler will face the Heat for the first time as a visiting player since being traded to the Golden State Warriors. When asked after Saturday’s 124–115 loss to the Atlanta Hawks whether he’s looking forward to the matchup, Butler made it clear: it’s just another game.
“It’s another game for me,” he said. “We need to bounce back.”
As for the reception he expects from Miami fans?
“Not really,” Butler said when asked if he’s curious. “I’m a member of the Golden State Warriors. I love [Miami’s] fan base — they showed me a lot of love while I was there. But I’m there to win now. I’m on the opposing team.”
One reporter pressed further, asking Butler to sum up his six-year tenure with the Heat. His answer was brief — and telling.
“We was alright. We didn’t win nothing like we were supposed to, so I don’t know,” Butler said. “We made some cool runs. We had some fun. I think that’s all we did.”
Despite leading Miami to two NBA Finals appearances, Butler’s time with the Heat ended on a sour note. He was suspended multiple times for conduct detrimental to the team and reportedly had a falling out with team president Pat Riley.
So far, the trade has paid off for Butler. Golden State is surging and solidly in playoff contention. Miami, meanwhile, has gone just 4–17 since dealing him. With Stephen Curry currently sidelined by injury, the Warriors will be leaning even more on Butler in the short term.
He may be downplaying it publicly, but let’s be honest — Butler would love nothing more than to light up his old team on their home floor.