Steve Kerr Reveals True Feelings About Jimmy Butler After Warriors Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Spencer Ostrow | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 9:41 PM ET

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and Jimmy Butler is on his way to the Golden State Warriors. In a blockbuster multi-team deal finalized Wednesday night, the Miami Heat sent Butler to the Bay Area while Andrew Wiggins was shipped to Miami.

The trade comes after the Warriors were on the hunt to pair Steph Curry with a new star, with the team sitting at 25-25 and in 11th place in the Western Conference heading into the deadline.

Before the Warriors took the court at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night to face the Los Angeles Lakers, head coach Steve Kerr met with the media.

To no one's surprise, he was asked about the addition of Butler, and in his response, he revealed his true feelings about the six-time NBA All-Star.

"I’m excited to get Jimmy," Kerr said. "He’s an elite talent. One of the best playoff performers in our league. It’s a huge addition for us. I haven't even met him yet, he hasn't gotten here yet, so I'm excited to just say hello and welcome him on board and get to work."

Steve Kerr’s initial thoughts on Jimmy Butler pic.twitter.com/cXlzEAsSXB
— David Mendez-Yapkowitz (@Dave_Yapkowitz) February 7, 2025

Butler comes over from Miami after playing six seasons for the Heat. The 14-year veteran played a pivotal role in Miami's run to the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023.

This season, he's averaging 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.

Now, Butler is locked in with the Warriors through the 2025 and 2026 seasons after signing an extension. The deal will pay him $112 million over the next two years.

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

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