Buddy Hield Sends Clear Message on Jimmy Butler Finding His 'Joy' After Leaving Heat

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jay Postrado | Last updated May 7, 2025 8:54 AM ET

The trade deadline may feel like such a long time ago, but the remnants of every move made are still felt in the NBA Playoffs. Coach Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat have now been eliminated from the postseason. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors, led by Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry , are setting their sights on beating the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Warriors are doing well in their quest for another banner with Stephen Curry leading the way. Jimmy Butler, after getting traded from the Heat, has been such a big boost to them in this NBA Playoffs run.

Why does it look like the star got his groove back? Buddy Hield had some insights about it after the Warriors wrecked the Rockets in Game 1, via the NBA.

"We had to make sure he got his joy back because he somehow 'lost his joy," Hield said.

Butler noticeably had a dip in performance during his last few months with the Heat. During their latest NBA Playoffs game, it was obvious that a switch had been flipped in his head.

Coach Steve Kerr managed to play him for 41 minutes. Butler then put up 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. He was the Warriors' spark plug and Swiss Army knife at the same time. Fans could even say that he was back to how he performed back with the Heat.

The Heat now have an opportunity to rebuild using Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo as their main stars. Butler, on the other hand, will get the chance to add a Larry O'Brien trophy to his resume with the Warriors. The split may have been rough for both parties but it seems like they are both better off now.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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