Draymond Green Makes Strong Jimmy Butler Statement After Warriors’ Elimination

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated May 15, 2025 6:09 PM ET

A hamstring injury to Stephen Curry in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals left the Golden State Warriors rudderless.

Ultimately, they fell 4-1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, bowing out 121-110 in Game 5 at Chase Center, despite Brandin Podziemski’s 28 points and a midseason trade for Jimmy Butler, who poured in 17 points respectively.

The Warriors closed the 2024-25 campaign at 48-34, third in the Pacific Division but unable to withstand Minnesota’s depth and Anthony Edwards’ 22-point, 12-assist performance in the clincher.

Following Golden State's playoff elimination, Draymond Green reiterated that while acquiring Butler provided a necessary boost, "scrapping and clawing in playoff mode for the last three months is not how you win a title,” per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.

Draymond Green says the biggest change the Warriors had to make was already made in acquiring Jimmy Butler. But he says Warriors still have to improve. He says scrapping and clawing in playoff mode last three months is not effective way to win a title.
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 15, 2025

Green was selected 35th overall in 2012 and has since become a four-time NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), four-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Defensive, 2017 Defensive Player of the Year, and 2024-25 NBA Hustle Award winner.

Butler joined Golden State in a February 2025 multi-team trade after six seasons with Miami.

He is a six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, five-time All-Defensive, 2015 Most Improved Player, 2021 NBA steals leader, and 2016 Olympic gold medalist.

After adding Butler, Golden State surged to a 24-8 run and a first-round win over Houston.

Despite entering the postseason with momentum, they ultimately bowed out in the second round, exposing overreliance on Curry and Green.

Coach Steve Kerr and the front office now face a critical offseason of retooling around an aging core of Curry (37), Green (35) and Butler (35).

Green’s statement affirms the front office’s midseason gamble but acknowledges the work ahead.

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

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