Dwyane Wade Calls Out Warriors' Jimmy Butler After Playoff Struggles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated May 20, 2025 4:20 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors lost in the second round to the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games, most of which had to be played without Stephen Curry, who was nursing an injury.

In those five games, Jimmy Butler averaged 20.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, flashing his do-all talents, although it wasn't enough. Butler was inefficient from the floor and did not play with the aggression that both fans and his teammates were expecting.

Dwayne Wade, arguably the greatest Miami Heat player of all time, called Butler out after the series and did not mince words about the performance.

"I didn't like the way he just approached the game," Wade said on his podcast. "Like, I know Jimmy is a pass-first guy. I know he's about getting his teammates to ball and wants to see them shine. But it's a point where you're getting 60 (million). This ain't working. You got to go. He won't look at the basket. And I've seen this before. I've seen it in a Heat jersey."

Wade gave his scathing review while holding his 2006 Finals MVP trophy, which is something Butler has never won.

Wade is spot on. For $60 million a season, Butler should be able to take over and play at the level of a franchise player when needed. In the second-round series, Butler played like a glue guy or high-level role player, and he simply needs to be more.

With two full seasons left on his extension, the Warriors will need to get their money's worth.

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

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