MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – The beloved star has faced his share of emotional returns against former teams. In 2018, Chicago welcomed him back with a standing ovation and a tribute video. In 2019, Minnesota greeted him with jeers. Later that year, Philadelphia showered him with loud boos.
Now, his return to Miami is set and the reception is expected to be a mix of everything.
A lot is expected to change on his return.
The Heat will play a tribute video—a common courtesy for former All-Stars. The home crowd will likely erupt when Butler’s name is announced alongside Golden State’s starters. Some fans will cheer. Others will boo. It’s a predictable reaction, considering how his time in Miami ended—with three suspensions before being traded to the Warriors last month.
“There are no hard feelings,” He said Monday following the Warriors’ practice at Barry University. “I’m in a better place now for me.”
Jimmy Butlerrequested a trade, and Miami eventually granted his wish. The Warriors are 16-3 when he plays, helping them climb out of play-in territory and into contention for a guaranteed playoff spot. Butler looks more content, and Golden State is thriving—making the trade a clear win for them.
Meanwhile, the Heat just snapped a 10-game losing streak. With their postseason hopes likely tied to the play-in tournament, they are still adjusting to life without Butler.
“Obviously, there will be a lot of mixed emotions,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said about Butler’s return. “I probably won’t share all of them, and that’s fair. But we had a great five-year run. We didn’t win a title, but only one team does. We had some great moments.”
During Butler’s tenure, Miami made three Eastern Conference Finals appearances, reached the NBA Finals twice, and won 268 total games, including playoffs—the fifth-most in the league over that span. However, when the Heat didn’t offer him an extension last summer, the relationship soured. Butler was suspended three times for violating team rules and made it clear he wanted a fresh start. Initially unwilling to trade him, the Heat eventually had no choice but to pivot.
Golden State made an offer Miami couldn’t refuse, and the deal was done. Now, the Warriors look like title contenders again.
“It’s been incredible. He’s one of the best players in the league, and he’s transformed our team,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “We’re 16-4 since getting him. He’s a unique superstar—not flashy with leaping ability or shooting, but with sheer strength and intelligence. He’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever coached, constantly generating open shots for teammates. And he’s an elite two-way player. We’re lucky to have him.”
Historically, Butler’s teams are 1-2 in his much-anticipated return games. Minnesota lost 114-113 in Chicago on Feb. 9, 2018. Philadelphia beat Minnesota 118-109 on March 30, 2019. Miami then fell 113-86 in Philadelphia on Nov. 23, 2019.
Despite the hype, Butler maintains that Tuesday’s game is just another matchup.
“This is basketball. It’s simple,” Butler said. “I don’t have all these emotions that people think I will. It is what it is. We had great years in Miami. I built strong relationships with people in the organization, in the city, in the state of Florida. But I’m here to hoop. I’m here to play basketball.”
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