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Jimmy Butler has always played with a chip on his shoulder, and now, he’s bringing that fire to the Golden State Warriors. After a dramatic exit from the Miami Heat, Butler made his first official appearance with his new squad on Thursday night. His mission? Simple. Win his first NBA championship.

"I Know I Have My Joy Back"

Butler’s breakup with the Heat wasn’t exactly smooth—suspensions, criticism from Pat Riley, and those cryptic comments about "lost joy" all led to a trade that shook up the league. But standing beside Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy, Butler made one thing clear: the past is the past, and he's all in on his new team.

“I don’t got too many bad things to say about them,” Butler said of the Heat. “I have so much respect for that organization, for the people running it, and for my former teammates. But I know I have my joy back now.”

A High-Stakes Gamble for the Warriors

Golden State didn’t hold back to bring Butler in. They shipped out Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and multiple draft picks in a blockbuster deal, betting that Butler’s two-way dominance can help extend the Warriors’ championship window. With Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and coach Steve Kerr still in the mix, Butler believes he’s in the perfect spot to chase his elusive ring.

“I would like to say that I am a winner,” Butler said. “I haven’t won ‘it’ but I would like to call myself a winner. I do want to win ‘it’—it being a championship.”

The Fit: Playoff Jimmy Meets Warriors Culture

There’s no questioning Butler’s impact, especially in the playoffs. His legendary performances with Miami earned him the nickname “Playoff Jimmy,” and now, Kerr has big plans for him. The Warriors will lean on Butler to anchor the offense when Curry rests, giving them a reliable go-to scorer and playmaker.

“He’s a great player,” Kerr said. “All great players figure out how to play with other great players. I don’t think that will be too big of a challenge.”

All Eyes on March 25

One date that’s already circled on the calendar? March 25, when the Warriors visit Miami. If history is any indication, Butler will get a tribute video—but the real show will be on the court.

For now, Butler’s focus is on getting settled in, learning the Warriors' system, and proving he’s the missing piece to another championship run.

“Yo, Dub Nation. Jimmy Butler here,” he said in a welcome video for Warriors fans. “Super excited, ready to win, ready to work, ready to put on a show for y’all. Let’s get it. Championship coming soon.”

With Butler’s confidence and the Warriors’ championship pedigree, that might not just be talk.