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Jimmy Butler
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Jimmy Butler III (born September 14, 1989) is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "Jimmy Buckets", he is a six-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-NBA Team member, and a five-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. He won a gold medal as a member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic team.
Key Information
Butler played one year of college basketball for Tyler Junior College before transferring to Marquette University. He was selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. In 2015, he was named the NBA Most Improved Player. After six seasons in Chicago, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in June 2017, and was then again traded in November 2018, this time to the Philadelphia 76ers. In July 2019, he signed with the Miami Heat. During his first season with the team, Butler reached the NBA Finals. In 2021, he led the league in steals. In 2023, Butler and the eighth-seeded Heat played in the 2023 NBA Finals, their second appearance in four years.[1][2] Amidst conflicts with the Heat's front office, Butler was traded to the Warriors in 2025.[3]
Early life
[edit]Butler was born in Houston on September 14, 1989.[4][5] His father, Jimmy Butler Jr., left the family when Butler was an infant. Butler lived with his mother in the Houston suburb of Tomball, until she kicked him out of the house when he was 13 years old. As Butler remembered it in a 2011 interview, she told him, "I don't like the look of you. You gotta go." He moved between the homes of various friends, staying for a few weeks at a time before moving to another house.[6] Butler maintains a relationship with his parents, saying, "I don't hold grudges. I still talk to my family. My mom. My father. We love each other. That's never going to change."[7][8]
In a summer basketball league before his senior year at Tomball High School, he was noticed by Jordan Leslie, a freshman football and basketball player at the school, who challenged him to a three-point shooting contest. The two became friends, and Butler stayed at Leslie's house for a few months, Leslie's mother and stepfather had six other children between them. Butler would later say, "They accepted me into their family. And it wasn't because of basketball. She [Michelle Lambert, Leslie's mother] was just very loving. She just did stuff like that. I couldn't believe it."[6]
As a junior at Tomball High, Butler averaged 10 points per game. As a senior and team captain in 2006–07, Butler averaged 19.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game and was subsequently voted his team's most valuable player.
Butler was not recruited coming out of high school and chose to attend Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas.
College career
[edit]After his freshman season at Tyler Junior College, where he had averaged 18.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, Butler received interest from Division I programs. Considered a two-star recruit by 247Sports.com,[9] he was listed as the no. 127 junior college prospect in 2008.[10]
Butler accepted an athletic scholarship to attend Marquette, where, as a sophomore in the 2008–09 season, he averaged 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game and recorded a free-throw percentage of 76.8%. He moved into the starting lineup as a junior during the 2009–10 season to average 14.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game and received All-Big East Honorable Mention honors. Butler had two game-winning shots versus UConn and St. John's, to help Marquette finish 11–7 in the Big East and earn its fifth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance. As a senior in 2010–11, he averaged 15.7 points per game and received All-Big East Honorable Mention for the second straight year.
Professional career
[edit]Chicago Bulls (2011–2017)
[edit]2011–2014: early years and first All-Defensive selection
[edit]Butler was selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls.[11] He played 42 games during the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season.[12] The following season, he played all 82 games for the Bulls. Butler played limited minutes to begin the 2012–13 season. His minutes increased over the second half of the season and he started in all 12 playoff games.[12][13] In an April 9, 2013, regular season game, Butler scored a then career-high 28 points in a 101–98 loss against the Toronto Raptors.[12][14] Two days later, he recorded his first NBA double-double game with 22 points and a then career-high 14 rebounds against the New York Knicks.[12]
Butler missed 15 games due to injury in the 2013–14 season,[12] but averaged a career-high and season league-high 38.7 minutes per game in the 67 in which he played.[12] He scored a season-high 26 points against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 30.[12] He set a franchise record when he played 60:20 in a triple-overtime game against the Orlando Magic on January 15, finishing with 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists.[12] At the season's end, he was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.[15]
2014–2016: Most Improved Player and first All-Star selections
[edit]
On November 25, 2014, Butler tied a career high with 32 points in a loss to the Denver Nuggets.[16] On December 3, 2014, he was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for games played in October/November.[17] He set a new career high of 35 points in a 103–97 win over the New York Knicks on December 18.[18] On January 29, 2015, Butler was named a reserve for the Eastern Conference in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game.[19] On March 2, 2015, he was ruled out for three to six weeks with a left elbow injury.[20] He returned to play on March 23 against the Charlotte Hornets, recording 19 points and 9 rebounds in a 98–86 win.[21]
On April 20, Butler set a playoff career high for the second straight game, scoring 31 points in the Bulls' 91–82 win over the Milwaukee Bucks to take a 2–0 lead in their first-round series.[22] On April 25, Butler again set a playoff career high with 33 points, in a Bulls' 92–90 loss to the Bucks, holding their series lead to 3–2.[23] They went on to win game 6 of the series, moving them onto the conference semifinals where they lost 4–2 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. On May 7, he was named the 2014–15 NBA Most Improved Player and became the first player in franchise history to win the award.[24]
On July 9, 2015, Butler re-signed with the Bulls to a five-year, $95 million contract. The deal included a player option for the fifth year.[25][26] On December 9, he scored a then career-high 36 points in a loss to the Boston Celtics.[27] He topped that mark with 43 points on December 18 in a 147–144 quadruple overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons.[28] On January 3, Butler broke Michael Jordan's team record for points in a half, scoring 40 of his 42 after the break to lead the Bulls to a 115–113 win over the Toronto Raptors.[29] Two days later, he recorded 32 points and a then season-high 10 assists in a 117–106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.[30] On January 14, he scored a career-high 53 points in a 115–111 overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Butler had 10 rebounds and six assists while making 15-of-30 field goals and 21-of-25 free throws to help the Bulls end a three-game losing streak. He became the first Bulls player to score 50 points in a game since Jamal Crawford in 2004.[31]
On February 5, Butler suffered a left knee strain in a game against the Denver Nuggets,[32] and missed the next month.[33] That included the 2016 NBA All-Star Game, to which he had been voted in; he was replaced by teammate Pau Gasol.[34] Butler missed 11 games with the knee injury, returning to action for the Bulls on March 5, against the Houston Rockets. In 34 minutes of playing, he recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and one steal in a 108–100 win, helping the Bulls break a four-game losing streak.[35] He returned to the sidelines on March 7, for the team's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to back soreness and swelling in his left knee.[36] After a three-game absence, he returned to play on March 14 against the Toronto Raptors.[37] On April 2, he recorded his first career triple-double with 28 points and career highs of 17 rebounds and 12 assists in a 94–90 loss to the Detroit Pistons.[38] In the Bulls' season finale on April 13, Butler recorded his second career triple-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in a 115–105 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.[39]
2016–2017: first All-NBA selection
[edit]
In the Bulls' season opener on October 27, Butler scored a team-high 24 points in a 105–99 win over the Boston Celtics.[40] On November 9, he scored 39-points in a 115–107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.[41] Three days later, he scored 37 points, made all 14 of his free throws, had eight rebounds and a season-high nine assists in a 106–95 win over the Washington Wizards.[42] On November 20, he scored a season-high 40 points in a 118–110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.[43] The following day, he was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played Monday, November 14 through Sunday, November 20.[44] On December 28, he matched his season-high with 40 points, he hit a 20-footer at the buzzer, scored nine points in the final 21⁄2 minutes, and made all 11 of his free throws, to give the Bulls a 101–99 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Butler ended with 11 rebounds as the Bulls overcame a seven-point deficit in the final three minutes.[45]
On January 2, 2017, Butler scored 52 points in a 118–111 win over the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 20 points in the first half and 17 in the game's final four minutes. He also had 12 rebounds and six assists, while shooting 21-of-22 from the free-throw line.[46] On January 7, he hit the 40-point mark for the third time in six games, finishing with 42 points in a 123–118 overtime win over the Toronto Raptors.[47] Two days later, he was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played Monday, January 2 through Sunday, January 8.[48] On January 19, Butler was named a starter on the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game.[49] After questioning the desire of the team's younger players following a loss to the Atlanta Hawks on January 25, Butler was fined and held out of the starting lineup against the Miami Heat on January 27. He finished with three points on 1-for-13 shooting.[50] On February 25, 2017, he recorded his third career triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 117–99 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.[51] On March 26, 2017, he had 20 points and a then career-high 14 assists in a 109–94 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.[52] On April 6, 2017, he recorded his fourth career triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 102–90 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.[53]
Minnesota Timberwolves (2017–2018)
[edit]On June 22, 2017, Butler was traded, along with the rights to Justin Patton (the 16th pick in the 2017 NBA draft), to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the rights to Lauri Markkanen (the seventh pick in the 2017 NBA draft).[54] In his debut for the Timberwolves in their season opener on October 18, Butler scored 12 points in a 107–99 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.[55] On December 3, he scored 20 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves' 112–106 win over Los Angeles Clippers.[56] On December 12, he scored 38 points in a 118–112 overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.[57] On December 18, he scored 37 points in a 108–107 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.[58] On December 27, Butler scored 12 of Minnesota's 14 points in overtime and finished with a season-high 39 points in a 128–125 win over the Denver Nuggets.[59]
On January 23, he was named a Western Conference All-Star reserve.[60] On February 9, in his return to Chicago, Butler scored 38 points in a 114–113 loss to the Bulls.[61] Butler chose to not play in the All-Star Game, saying that the rest would benefit him for the stretch run of the season.[62] In the Timberwolves' first game after the All-Star break, on February 23 against the Houston Rockets, Butler left the game late in the third quarter with a right knee injury.[63] Two days later, he underwent meniscus surgery and was ruled out indefinitely.[64] He returned just shy of six weeks later, on April 6, and scored 18 points in a 113–96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.[65] In game 3 of the Timberwolves' first-round playoff series against the Rockets, Butler made four 3-pointers among his 28 points in a 121–105 win.[66] The Timberwolves went on to lose the series in five games.[67]
Shortly before training camp in 2018, Butler requested a trade from the Timberwolves,[68] accusing younger players of being insufficiently motivated, while indicating he would not re-sign with the team in the 2019 off-season.[69] A month later Butler joined practice for the first time since the trade request, and teamed up with third-string players to scrimmage and win against the team's usual starters. Much of the time he spent shouting at and taunting general manager Scott Layden, head coach Tom Thibodeau, as well as various teammates.[70] When a trade was not achieved prior to the start of the regular season, Butler opted to play for Minnesota in 2018–19.[69] He appeared in 10 of the Timberwolves' first 13 games before being traded in early November.[68][71]
Philadelphia 76ers (2018–2019)
[edit]
On November 12, 2018, Butler was traded, along with Justin Patton, to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Jerryd Bayless, Robert Covington, Dario Šarić and a 2022 second-round draft pick.[72] He made his debut for the 76ers two days later, scoring 14 points in a 111–106 loss to the Orlando Magic.[73] On November 25, he recorded 34 points and 12 rebounds and made a 3-pointer with 2.3 seconds remaining to give the 76ers a 127–125 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.[74] On December 5, he scored a season-high 38 points in a 113–102 loss to the Toronto Raptors.[75] Two days later, he had a second straight 38-point game in a 117–111 win over the Detroit Pistons.[76] On January 29, Butler was shifted to point guard and had 20 points and six assists in a 121–105 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.[77] In game 1 of the 76ers' first-round playoff series against the Nets, Butler scored a game-high 36 points in a 111–102 loss.[78] In game 2 of the second round, Butler had 30 points and 11 rebounds to help the 76ers tie the series against the Raptors at 1–1 with a 94–89 win.[79] In game 6, he scored 25 points in a 112–101 win, helping the 76ers force a game 7.[80] In game 7, he made a layup with 4.2 seconds in the fourth quarter to tie the score at 90–all, but the 76ers eventually lost the game 92–90 following Kawhi Leonard's game-winning buzzer beater.[81]
Miami Heat (2019–2025)
[edit]2019–2021: first finals appearance and steals leader
[edit]On July 6, 2019, Butler signed with the Miami Heat via a sign and trade with the 76ers in a four-team trade.[82] On December 9, Butler was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week after he averaged 27.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game.[83] On December 10, Butler recorded a then career-high 18 rebounds, along with 20 points and 11 assists in a 135–121 overtime win against the Atlanta Hawks.[84] On January 30, 2020, Butler was named to his fifth NBA All-Star Game.[85] On February 3, Butler scored a season-high 38 points on 14-of-20 shooting from the field, as the Heat beat his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers 137–106.[86]

On August 31, in game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Butler scored a then playoff career-high 40 points on 13-of-20 shooting from the field in a 115–104 win over the first-seeded Milwaukee Bucks.[87] On September 8, Miami advanced to the next round after game 5 win, thus completing the upset.[88] The Heat reached the NBA Finals after defeating the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals in six games, earning Butler his first finals appearance.[89] In game 3 of the NBA Finals, Butler registered a triple-double of 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists in a winning effort. He became the third player in finals history to record a 40+ point triple-double, joining LeBron James (then with Cleveland) in 2015 and Jerry West with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1969.[90] Butler also became the first player to have more points, rebounds and assists in a finals game than James, who finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. In game 5, Butler had 35 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and five steals in a 111–108 victory. He became the first player to register 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, 10+ assists and 5+ steals in a finals game. He is also the second player to reach such stats in NBA playoff history after Gary Payton in 2000. Butler became the second player with multiple 30-point triple-doubles in the same finals series, joining James in 2015. He became the sixth player with multiple triple-doubles in a finals series along with James, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain and Draymond Green.[91] The Heat would go on to lose to the Lakers in six games.[92] Butler became only the second player in a finals series to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, joining James in 2016. He finished the finals averaging 26.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 2.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.[93][94]
On February 11, 2021, Butler recorded his 10th career triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in the Heat's 101–94 win over the Houston Rockets.[95] On February 18, Butler logged his 13th career triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists in a 118–110 win over the Sacramento Kings, becoming the first player in franchise history with three consecutive triple-doubles. Together with teammate Bam Adebayo who posted 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, they became the first pair in league history to register triple-doubles in the same game more than once.[96][97] Butler finished the regular season leading the league in steals with 2.1 steals per game. In the playoffs, the Heat were eliminated in a four-game sweep by the Milwaukee Bucks, who would go on to win the NBA Finals. In game 4, Butler recorded his third career playoff triple-double.[98]
2021–2022: best Eastern Conference record
[edit]On August 7, 2021, Butler was signed to a reported four-year, $184 million contract extension by the Heat.[99][100] On December 28, he recorded 25 points, eight rebounds, and a career-high 15 assists in a 119–112 loss to the Washington Wizards.[101] On January 23, 2022, during a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James, Butler surpassed James for first place on the Heat all-time triple-doubles list.[102] On February 3, Butler was named a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, making it his sixth career All-Star selection.[103] On April 7, Butler and Miami clinched the first seed in the Eastern Conference.
On April 17, during game 1 of the first round of the playoffs, he logged 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals in a 115–91 win over the Atlanta Hawks.[104] Two days later, he posted a then playoff career-high 45 points along with five rebounds, five assists and zero turnovers in a game 2 115–105 win. Butler became only the third player in franchise history to have at least 45 points, five assists and five rebounds in a postseason game, joining James and Dwyane Wade. He also became the fifth player since 1978 to have at least 45 points and zero turnovers in an NBA playoff game.[105][106] In game 4 of the series, on April 24, Butler recorded 36 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals in a 110–86 win.[107] On May 8, in game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Butler recorded 40 points on 13-of-20 shooting from the field in a 116–108 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.[108]
On May 17, in game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, Butler posted 41 points (27 in the second half), nine rebounds, five assists, four steals and three blocks in a 118–107 win over the Boston Celtics. He became the first player in NBA postseason history to meet all of those benchmarks since steals and blocks were first recorded in 1974. Butler posted his fifth career playoff game with 40 points on 60 percent shooting, and tied with Charles Barkley for third-most over the last 30 playoffs. The only players that have more such games are James (12) and Shaquille O'Neal (8). Butler also achieved the most 40-point, 5-rebound and 5-assist playoff games in Heat history with three, one more than James and Wade.[109][110] On May 21, Butler injured his right knee and did not play in the second half of game 3. Despite this, Miami won the game 109–103 and took a 2–1 series lead.[111] In game 6 of the series, on May 27, Butler scored a playoff career-high 47 points along with nine rebounds, eight assists, and four steals to lead Miami to a 111–103 win and force game 7. He made 16 of 29 shots, including 4-of-8 from the three-point range and all 11 free throws. Butler's 47 points were the seventh-most in NBA history for a player facing elimination. He also became the first player since Michael Jordan in 1988 to have multiple games of at least 40 points and four steals in the same series.[112][113]
The Heat lost the series in seven games, despite Butler's 35-point and nine-rebound outing in a 100–96 loss in a decisive game 7, where he missed his game-winning three-pointer with 16 seconds left in the game.[114][115] Butler had his eighth 30-point game of the postseason, making it the most in a single postseason by a Heat player since James in 2013, who also had eight such games.[116][117]
2022–2024: second finals appearance
[edit]On November 10, 2022, Butler scored a season-high 35 points, along with 10 rebounds and eight assists in a 117–112 overtime win over the Charlotte Hornets. He scored eight consecutive Heat points at the end of regulation just to get them into the extra session.[118] On December 2, Butler returned to the lineup after missing the previous seven games with a sore right knee. He had a season-high 15 rebounds and 25 points in a 120–116 overtime win over the reigning Eastern Conference champions Boston Celtics.[119] On January 10, 2023, Butler tied his season-high with 35 points, along with seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and three blocks in a 112–111 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He led the way going 23-of-23 from the free throw line, tying Dominique Wilkins for the second-most made free throws without a miss in NBA history. The Heat set an NBA record by making all 40 of their free throws, the last of those coming on Butler's three-point play with 12.9 seconds left in the game.[120] On February 10, Butler made a game-winning alley-oop dunk in a 97–95 win over the Houston Rockets.[121] On March 11, Butler scored a season-high 38 points, including 15 in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter when Miami overcame a 15-point deficit. His three-pointer at the buzzer of regulation sent the game to overtime, which the Heat lost 126–114 in against the Orlando Magic.[122] On April 1, Butler recorded a season-high 12 assists and 35 points on 12-of-16 shooting from the field in a 129–122 win over the Dallas Mavericks.[123]
On April 14, Butler in his second play-in appearance scored a game-high 31 points to help the Heat take a 102–91 win over his former team, the Chicago Bulls, and secure the eighth seed for the playoffs. He and Max Strus became the third Heat duo with 30 points apiece in a playoff or play-in game.[124]
As the Eastern Conference eighth seed, the Heat faced off in the first round of the playoffs against top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks. In game 1, Butler recorded 35 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and three steals as Miami won 130–117.[125] This performance moved Butler to second place in 35+ point playoff games in Heat franchise history (10), surpassing LeBron James (9) and trailing only Dwyane Wade (14).[126] In game 4 of series, Butler scored a career-high 56 points on 19-for-28 shooting from the field and 15-of-18 shooting from the free throw line, including a franchise-record 22 points in the first quarter, in a 119–114 win.[127] His 56 points also set a Miami Heat franchise record for the most points scored in a playoff game, surpassing LeBron James's previous record of 49.[128][129][130] In game 5, Butler recorded 42 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals in a 128–126 overtime win, sealing a shocking upset over the Bucks, and leading the Heat to the second round of the playoffs. Butler also became the first player in Heat history to put up back-to-back 40-point playoff games. He also put up his eighth 40-point playoff game as a member of the Heat, surpassing Dwyane Wade's previous Heat franchise record of seven 40-point playoff games. In Games 4 and 5, Butler amassed a total of 98 points, becoming one of five players in NBA playoff history to produce that many points in a two-game span. He joined Michael Jordan (who accomplished the feat on three occasions), Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Rick Barry. Butler finished the series averaging 37.6 points, 6 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game.[131][132][133]
In game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, Butler recorded 35 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a playoff career-high six steals in a 123–116 win over the Boston Celtics.[134] In game 7, Butler posted 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals in a 103–84 win, defeating the Celtics and advancing to the NBA Finals.[135][136] Butler was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP, averaging 24.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.6 steals per game, narrowly edging out Caleb Martin.[137]
In game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Butler put up 21 points and nine assists in a 111–108 win to tie the series at one each. He joined LeBron James and Dwyane Wade as the only players in Heat history to put up at least 500 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists in a single postseason run.[138] However, the Heat went on to lose the next three games of the series, dropping the finals in five games.[139]
On November 16, 2023, Butler scored 36 points in a 122–115 win over the Brooklyn Nets, to lead the Heat to their first seven-game win streak since January 14, 2018.[140] On December 16, Butler put up 28 points alongside a buzzer-beating, game-winning step back jumper in a 118–116 win over the Chicago Bulls.[141][142] On February 7, 2024, Butler recorded his 16th career triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and three steals in a 116–104 win over the San Antonio Spurs.[143] On March 2, Butler scored a season-high 37 points on 12-of-19 shooting, 3-of-3 from three and 10-of-11 from the free throw line in a 126–120 win over the Utah Jazz.[144] Butler missed the 2024 NBA playoffs following a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain he sustained during a play-in game against the Philadelphia 76ers.[145]
2024–2025: requesting a trade and suspension
[edit]On November 24, 2024, Butler scored 33 points along with nine rebounds and six assists in a 123–118 overtime win over the Dallas Mavericks.[146] On December 16, he had 35 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in a 125–124 loss to the Detroit Pistons, becoming the third player in NBA history to finish with at least 35 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists and four steals in a game, joining DeMarcus Cousins in 2018 and George McGinnis in 1976.[147]
On January 3, 2025, the Heat suspended Butler for seven games, citing multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team throughout the season. The suspension followed reports of Butler's growing discontent and his statement the previous day that he no longer believed he could be happy playing in Miami.[148] In an official statement, the Heat confirmed that Butler and his representative had requested a trade and announced their intention to consider offers.[149] Butler returned to the Heat on January 17 in a game against the Denver Nuggets, scoring 18 points in a 133–113 loss.[150] On January 22, he was again suspended by the Heat for two games due to a pattern of detrimental conduct. Butler had missed the team flight to Milwaukee earlier in the day to play against the Bucks.[151] On January 27, the Heat suspended Butler for an indefinite period of time without pay after he walked out of practice before a game against the Magic. He left after learning that Haywood Highsmith would be replacing him in the starting lineup. The Heat said in their official statement that the suspension was to last at least five games, which would take it through the NBA's trade deadline on February 6.[152]
Golden State Warriors (2025–present)
[edit]On February 6, 2025, Butler was traded to the Golden State Warriors in a five-team deal that sent a package headed by Andrew Wiggins to the Heat.[153] In addition, Butler declined his player option for the 2025–26 season, which was replaced by a two-year, $121 million contract extension with the Warriors, which runs through the 2026–27 season.[154] He chose to wear "Butler III" on his jersey during his Warriors' tenure, honoring his late father.[155] On February 8, he made his Warriors' debut, putting up 25 points in a 132–111 win over the Chicago Bulls.[156] On March 10, Butler recorded his first triple-double with the Warriors, scoring 15 points to go with 10 rebounds and 10 assists, the first triple-double of the season for Golden State and the 18th of Butler's career.[157]
On April 15, Butler made his play-in debut with the Warriors, recording a game-high 38 points along with seven rebounds and six assists in a 121–116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies to secure the seventh seed for the playoffs.[158] On April 20, Butler, in his playoff debut with the Warriors, recorded 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists and five steals in a 95–85 victory against the Houston Rockets.[159] In game 7 of the first round, Butler contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists as the Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 103–89 road win to advance to the Western Conference semifinals.[160] But they were then eliminated in five games by his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.[161]
Career statistics
[edit]| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
| * | Led the league |
NBA
[edit]Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | Chicago | 42 | 0 | 8.5 | .405 | .182 | .768 | 1.3 | .3 | .3 | .1 | 2.6 |
| 2012–13 | Chicago | 82* | 20 | 26.0 | .467 | .381 | .803 | 4.0 | 1.4 | 1.0 | .4 | 8.6 |
| 2013–14 | Chicago | 67 | 67 | 38.7 | .397 | .283 | .769 | 4.9 | 2.6 | 1.9 | .5 | 13.1 |
| 2014–15 | Chicago | 65 | 65 | 38.7* | .462 | .378 | .834 | 5.8 | 3.3 | 1.8 | .6 | 20.0 |
| 2015–16 | Chicago | 67 | 67 | 36.9 | .454 | .312 | .832 | 5.3 | 4.8 | 1.6 | .6 | 20.9 |
| 2016–17 | Chicago | 76 | 75 | 37.0 | .455 | .367 | .865 | 6.2 | 5.5 | 1.9 | .4 | 23.9 |
| 2017–18 | Minnesota | 59 | 59 | 36.7 | .474 | .350 | .854 | 5.3 | 4.9 | 2.0 | .4 | 22.2 |
| 2018–19 | Minnesota | 10 | 10 | 36.1 | .471 | .378 | .787 | 5.2 | 4.3 | 2.4 | 1.0 | 21.3 |
| Philadelphia | 55 | 55 | 33.2 | .461 | .338 | .868 | 5.3 | 4.0 | 1.8 | .5 | 18.2 | |
| 2019–20 | Miami | 58 | 58 | 33.8 | .455 | .244 | .834 | 6.7 | 6.0 | 1.8 | .6 | 19.9 |
| 2020–21 | Miami | 52 | 52 | 33.6 | .497 | .245 | .863 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 2.1* | .3 | 21.5 |
| 2021–22 | Miami | 57 | 57 | 33.9 | .480 | .233 | .870 | 5.9 | 5.5 | 1.6 | .5 | 21.4 |
| 2022–23 | Miami | 64 | 64 | 33.4 | .539 | .350 | .850 | 5.9 | 5.3 | 1.8 | .3 | 22.9 |
| 2023–24 | Miami | 60 | 60 | 34.0 | .499 | .414 | .858 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 1.3 | .3 | 20.8 |
| 2024–25 | Miami | 25 | 25 | 30.6 | .540 | .361 | .801 | 5.2 | 4.8 | 1.1 | .4 | 17.0 |
| Golden State | 30 | 30 | 32.7 | .476 | .279 | .870 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 1.7 | .3 | 17.9 | |
| Career | 869 | 764 | 33.1 | .472 | .328 | .843 | 5.3 | 4.3 | 1.6 | .4 | 18.3 | |
| All-Star | 4 | 1 | 12.7 | .750 | .000 | — | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.8 | .0 | 4.5 | |
Playoffs
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Chicago | 3 | 0 | 1.3 | — | — | — | .0 | .0 | .0 | .0 | .0 |
| 2013 | Chicago | 12 | 12 | 40.8 | .435 | .405 | .818 | 5.2 | 2.7 | 1.3 | .5 | 13.3 |
| 2014 | Chicago | 5 | 5 | 43.6 | .386 | .300 | .783 | 5.2 | 2.2 | 1.4 | .0 | 13.6 |
| 2015 | Chicago | 12 | 12 | 42.2 | .441 | .389 | .819 | 5.6 | 3.2 | 2.4 | .8 | 22.9 |
| 2017 | Chicago | 6 | 6 | 39.8 | .426 | .261 | .809 | 7.3 | 4.3 | 1.7 | .8 | 22.7 |
| 2018 | Minnesota | 5 | 5 | 34.0 | .444 | .471 | .833 | 6.0 | 4.0 | .8 | .2 | 15.8 |
| 2019 | Philadelphia | 12 | 12 | 35.1 | .451 | .267 | .875 | 6.1 | 5.2 | 1.4 | .6 | 19.4 |
| 2020 | Miami | 21 | 21 | 38.4 | .488 | .349 | .859 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 2.0 | .7 | 22.2 |
| 2021 | Miami | 4 | 4 | 38.5 | .297 | .267 | .727 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 1.3 | .3 | 14.5 |
| 2022 | Miami | 17 | 17 | 37.0 | .506 | .338 | .841 | 7.4 | 4.6 | 2.1 | .6 | 27.4 |
| 2023 | Miami | 22 | 22 | 39.7 | .468 | .359 | .806 | 6.5 | 5.9 | 1.8 | .6 | 26.9 |
| 2025 | Golden State | 11 | 11 | 36.1 | .447 | .306 | .800 | 6.6 | 5.2 | 1.3 | .3 | 19.2 |
| Career | 130 | 127 | 37.8 | .459 | .344 | .827 | 6.2 | 4.7 | 1.7 | .5 | 21.1 | |
College
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–09 | Marquette | 35 | 0 | 19.6 | .514 | .000 | .768 | 3.9 | .7 | .5 | .5 | 5.6 |
| 2009–10 | Marquette | 34 | 34 | 34.3 | .530 | .500 | .766 | 6.4 | 2.0 | 1.3 | .6 | 14.7 |
| 2010–11 | Marquette | 37 | 35 | 34.6 | .490 | .345 | .783 | 6.1 | 2.3 | 1.4 | .4 | 15.7 |
| Career | 106 | 69 | 29.6 | .508 | .383 | .773 | 5.5 | 1.7 | 1.1 | .5 | 12.0 | |
Off the court
[edit]Butler is a fan of country and emo music. He starred in the music video for the country song "Light It Up" by Luke Bryan[162] and the emo song "So Much (for) Stardust" by Fall Out Boy.[163]
In the NBA Bubble, Butler opened Big Face Coffee, a side business which he operated out of his hotel room using his French press coffee brewer, charging $20 per cup.[164] A year later, he officially launched his coffee brand, and planned to dedicate his time into the coffee roastery business post-retirement.[165]
During the 2023 NBA playoffs, Butler filed a trademark on the name "Himmy Butler" for the purpose of launching his own clothing and beverage brand. The nickname "Himmy" came from the meme phrase "he's him", which rose in popularity during the Heat's Butler-led run during that postseason.[166][167]
Butler is featured in the Netflix documentary series, Starting 5, which followed Butler, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, Domantas Sabonis, and Jayson Tatum through the 2023–24 NBA season and playoffs.[168]
Personal life
[edit]While attending Marquette, Butler earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications.[169][170]
Butler and his former girlfriend have three children.[171] He did not make his Heat debut until the fourth game of the 2019–20 NBA season, as he was on paternity leave after the birth of his first child.[172] Butler's father died on February 8, 2024.[173] Butler is a Christian.[174]
He is good friends with Mark Wahlberg, whom he met while Wahlberg was filming Transformers: Age of Extinction in Chicago. The two have vacationed in Paris together.[175]
Butler became a fan of soccer during the 2016 Summer Olympics, after watching Neymar Jr. play for Brazil. He has rooted for Paris Saint Germain and said his favorite player is Neymar.[176][177] In October 2025, he joined San Diego Wave FC's investor group.[178]
See also
[edit]References
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- ^ Henderson, Cydney (May 29, 2023). "Miami Heat to face Denver Nuggets in NBA Finals after knocking out Boston Celtics in Game 7". USA Today. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ "Jimmy Butler, Caleb Martin lead Heat past Celtics in Game 7". NBA.com. May 30, 2023. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ Maloney, Jack (May 29, 2023). "Eastern Conference finals MVP: Heat's Jimmy Butler get honor that should have gone to Caleb Martin". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ Postrado, Jay (June 4, 2023). "Jimmy Butler reaches LeBron James, Dwyane Wade territory with legendary Heat playoff feat". ClutchPoints. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
- ^ Powell, Shaun (June 13, 2023). "5 takeaways: Nuggets drop Heat for 1st NBA championship". NBA.com. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
- ^ "Butler scores 36, Robinson adds 26 and Heat top Nets 122-115 to win 7th straight". ESPN.com. November 16, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
- ^ Villas, Rexwell (December 16, 2023). "Jimmy Butler's game-winner vs. Bulls sends Heat fans into frenzy". ClutchPoints. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- ^ Winter, Jack (December 17, 2023). "Jimmy Butler posts epic courtside view of game-winner vs. Bulls". ClutchPoints. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
- ^ "Jimmy Butler gets triple-double, Heat pull away late to top Spurs 116-104". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ^ "Butler scores 37 points, Heat top Jazz 126-120 for 10th win in last 13 games". ESPN.com. March 2, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
- ^ "Heat forward Jimmy Butler 'working,' but no timetable for return". NBA.com. April 27, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
- ^ "Butler scores season-high 33, Heat hold off Mavericks 123-118 in OT". ESPN.com. November 24, 2024. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
- ^ "Pistons 125-124 Heat (Dec 16, 2024) Game Recap". ESPN. December 16, 2024. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- ^ "Heat suspend Jimmy Butler for 7 games for 'conduct detrimental to the team'". NBA.com. January 3, 2025. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
- ^ "Heat statement on Jimmy Butler". NBA.com. January 3, 2025. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
- ^ Lev, Jacob (January 18, 2025). "Jimmy Butler returns from suspension in Miami Heat's loss to Denver Nuggets". CNN. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ Reynolds, Tim (January 22, 2025). "Heat suspend Jimmy Butler again, this time 2 games for missing flight and 'insubordinate conduct'". AP News. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ Charania, Shams (January 27, 2025). "Jimmy Butler suspended again after walking out of practice". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
- ^ "Warriors Acquire Five-Time All-NBA Forward Jimmy Butler From Heat". NBA.com. February 6, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "Jimmy Butler joins Warriors in 5-team deal with Heat". NBA.com. February 7, 2025. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
Additionally, Butler has declined his 2025-26 player option to sign a two-year, $121-million extension that will keep him with the Warriors through 2026-27, per multiple reports.
- ^ "Butler makes subtle Warriors jersey change to honor late father". nbcsportsbayarea.com. February 8, 2025. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
- ^ Reyna, Lorenzo (February 8, 2025). "Jimmy Butler grabs attention with final stat line in Warriors debut". ClutchPoints. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
- ^ Will, Simonds (March 10, 2025). "Butler humbly deflects credit after first Warriors triple-double". NBC Sports Bay Area & California. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ "Butler, Curry lead Warriors past Grizzlies 121-116 to secure seventh seed in West playoffs". ESPN.com. April 16, 2025. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
- ^ "Stephen Curry scores 31 points in the Warriors' 95-85 victory over the Rockets 95-85 in Game 1". ESPN. Associated Press. April 20, 2025. Retrieved April 21, 2025.
- ^ "Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield lead Warriors past Rockets 103-89 in Game 7". ESPN. Associated Press. May 5, 2025. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
- ^ "Timberwolves beat Warriors in Game 5 to reach Western Conference finals for 2nd straight year". ESPN. Associated Press. May 15, 2025. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ LukeBryanVEVO (October 25, 2017), Luke Bryan - Light It Up, archived from the original on November 7, 2021, retrieved January 21, 2018
- ^ Adam Wells (February 28, 2024). "Heat's Jimmy Butler Appears in Fall Out Boy's 'So Much (for) Stardust' Music Video". bleacherreport.com. Archived from the original on February 28, 2024. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
- ^ "Jimmy Butler is charging $20 a cup from his NBA bubble coffee shop". ESPN.com. August 16, 2020. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ Young, Jabari (October 1, 2021). "NBA star Jimmy Butler launches his Bigface coffee brand". CNBC. Archived from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
- ^ Rapp, Timothy (May 30, 2023). "Heat's Jimmy Butler Files Trademark for 'Himmy Buckets' to Use on Clothing, More". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
- ^ Rasmussen, Karl (May 30, 2023). "Jimmy Butler Applied for Perfect Trademark Amid Heat's Run to NBA Finals". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
- ^ Jones, Jason (October 9, 2024). "Netflix NBA series 'Starting 5' gives peek at family life, but doesn't go much deeper". The New York Times. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
- ^ "Jimmy Butler | Miami Heat". www.nba.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ @MUChicagoAlumni (November 5, 2014). "With the @chicagobulls in MKE, @JimmyButler dropped by to pick something up. #mubb (photo via @DanielleJosetti)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Griffin, Marc (January 13, 2025). "Jimmy Butler Embroiled In Heated Financial Battle With Mother Of His 3 Children". Yahoo News. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
- ^ Brad Botkin (October 28, 2019). "Jimmy Butler to make Heat debut Tuesday after missing first three games due to birth of daughter, per report". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on May 2, 2022. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
- ^ Peters, Andrew (October 10, 2024). "Jimmy Butler Reveals Dad Died During 2023-24 NBA Season on Netflix's 'Starting 5'". Bleacher Report. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
- ^ Spears, Marc J. (January 15, 2019). "Jimmy Butler: 'I don't have regrets'". Andscape. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ Seerat Sohi (July 2, 2015). "Jimmy Butler on singing for Taylor Swift and winning in Chicago". rollingstone.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2017.
- ^ Stein, Marc (October 20, 2019). "Jimmy Butler and Neymar: a Bromance Among Superstars". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 20, 2022. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
- ^ "Jimmy Butler: 'Very happy to be here'". EN.PSG.FR. August 25, 2018. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
- ^ "Jimmy Butler Joins San Diego Wave FC as Minority Investor". sandiegowavefc.com. October 20, 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from NBA.com · Basketball Reference
- Marquette Golden Eagles bio
- Jimmy Butler at IMDb
Jimmy Butler
View on GrokipediaEarly years
Early life
Jimmy Butler was born on September 14, 1989, in Houston, Texas, to a single mother after his father, Jimmy Butler Jr., abandoned the family when he was an infant. Raised primarily by his mother in the Houston suburb of Tomball, Butler faced a challenging upbringing marked by instability and poverty. Their relationship became increasingly strained, culminating in her decision to kick him out of the house at age 13, reportedly telling him, "I don't like the look of you. You gotta go." With no stable home or financial support, Butler experienced a period of homelessness, bouncing between friends' houses and couches for shelter while navigating his teenage years. During this time, Butler found temporary refuge with various families, including that of his friend Jordan Leslie, whose mother, Michelle Lambert, eventually welcomed him into her home in Tomball despite already raising several children of her own. This arrangement provided Butler with a semblance of stability as he entered high school. Initially more focused on academics than sports, he began playing organized basketball later than most peers, using the sport as an emotional outlet amid his personal hardships. His late start meant limited early exposure to recruiters, leaving him overlooked despite his growing talent. Butler attended Tomball High School, where he gradually developed into a standout player. As a junior, he averaged 10 points per game, but he truly excelled in his senior year of 2006–07, serving as team captain and posting averages of 19.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, earning all-district honors. Despite his senior year performance, Butler received no major college scholarship offers and walked on to the basketball team at Tyler Junior College.College career
Jimmy Butler joined the Tyler Junior College Apaches as a walk-on in 2007, where he earned NJCAA Honorable Mention All-America honors while averaging 18.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game during the 2007-08 season. After transferring from Tyler Junior College, Jimmy Butler joined the Marquette Golden Eagles in 2008 under head coach Buzz Williams. His early life hardships, including being kicked out of his home as a teenager, had instilled a resilience that fueled his determined approach to the game.[6] As a sophomore in the 2008-09 season, Butler appeared in all 35 games off the bench, averaging 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 51.4% from the field, contributing to Marquette's 25-10 overall record and NCAA Tournament appearance.[7] Butler broke out as a junior in 2009-10, starting 34 of 34 games and elevating his production to 14.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, with notable defensive contributions including 1.3 steals per contest.[7] His improved versatility helped lead Marquette to a 22-12 record and a semifinal berth in the Big East Tournament, earning him All-Big East Honorable Mention recognition.[8] In the 2010-11 season, as a senior, Butler started all 37 games, averaging 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while ranking among the Big East leaders in scoring and rebounding; he repeated as All-Big East Honorable Mention and helped the team achieve a 22-15 record, including an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 run after defeating Syracuse.[7][9][10] Over his three seasons at Marquette, spanning 106 games, Butler compiled career averages of 12.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, finishing his college tenure with 1,277 points (32nd in program history) and 579 rebounds (29th in program history).[8] Following the 2011 NCAA Tournament, Butler declared for the NBA Draft, forgoing potential additional eligibility.[9]Professional career
Chicago Bulls (2011–2017)
Butler was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 30th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, having played college basketball at Marquette University, where he honed his defensive tenacity.[11][9] In his rookie season of 2011–12, during a lockout-shortened campaign, Butler appeared in 42 games off the bench for the Bulls, averaging 2.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 8.5 minutes per game while shooting 40.5% from the field.[9][4] Despite his limited role, the Bulls finished with a 50–16 record and earned the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, advancing to the playoffs where Butler played three games without scoring.[9][12] Butler broke out in the 2012–13 season, playing all 82 games with 20 starts and averaging 8.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 26.0 minutes per game, contributing to another playoff appearance for the Bulls, who reached the second round.[9][4] His development accelerated in 2013–14, starting all 67 games he played and posting averages of 13.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 38.7 minutes, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for his perimeter defense.[9][4] The 2014–15 season marked Butler's rise to stardom, as he started all 65 games, averaging 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 steals in 38.7 minutes, which earned him the NBA Most Improved Player award and his first All-Star selection.[9][4] In the playoffs, he elevated his game, averaging 22.9 points and 5.6 rebounds over 12 games as the Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals.[13] Butler followed with another strong 2015–16 campaign, starting all 67 games and averaging 20.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 36.9 minutes, securing his second consecutive All-Star nod and another All-Defensive Second Team honor.[9][4] In his final season with the Bulls during 2016–17, Butler started 75 of 76 games, averaging a career-high 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.9 steals in 37.0 minutes, leading to his third straight All-Star appearance and first All-NBA Third Team selection.[9][4] The Bulls, as the No. 8 seed, faced the No. 1 Boston Celtics in the first round, losing the series 4–2 in six games, with Butler averaging 22.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, including 30 points in Game 1 to secure a 106–102 victory.[14][13] Amid growing tensions with the front office over roster decisions and team direction, Butler was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves on June 22, 2017, in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.[15]Minnesota Timberwolves (2017–2018)
On June 22, 2017, the Chicago Bulls traded Jimmy Butler and the 16th overall draft pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the seventh overall pick.[16] This move reunited Butler with his former coach Tom Thibodeau and aimed to bolster Minnesota's roster around young stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. As a three-time All-Star from his Chicago tenure, Butler was expected to provide veteran leadership and elevate the Timberwolves' competitiveness in the Western Conference.[15] Butler made an immediate impact during the 2017–18 season, appearing in 59 games and averaging 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field.[4] His defensive prowess and playmaking helped transform the Timberwolves into a playoff contender, culminating in his selection to the All-NBA Third Team for the first time in his career.[17] However, tensions emerged midseason as Butler grew frustrated with the team's dynamics, particularly involving Towns and Wiggins, leading him to request a trade on September 20, 2018.[18] The situation escalated on October 10, 2018, during a practice where Butler reportedly dominated a scrimmage against the team's younger players, including Towns and Wiggins, before delivering a profanity-laced rant criticizing the organization's commitment and work ethic.[19] Butler held out from games and practices amid the ongoing fallout, further straining team relations. He suffered a right meniscus tear on February 23, 2018, against the Houston Rockets, requiring surgery on February 25. After missing about six weeks, he returned for the final five regular-season games. The Timberwolves finished 47–35 and earned the eighth seed in the West. In the first round, they were eliminated 1–4 by Houston, with Butler playing all five games and averaging 15.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.[20][21][13] On November 10, 2018, after continued holdouts, the Timberwolves traded Butler, along with Justin Patton, to the Philadelphia 76ers for Robert Covington, Dario Šarić, Jerryd Bayless, and a 2022 second-round pick.[22] This contentious stint in Minnesota, marked by on-court contributions overshadowed by internal discord and health setbacks, lasted just over a season.[18]Philadelphia 76ers (2018–2019)
On November 10, 2018, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Robert Covington, Dario Šarić, and Jerryd Bayless, following a period of reported tensions and trade requests by Butler in Minnesota.[23][24] The move paired Butler with All-Stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons on a contending roster, where he provided veteran leadership and versatility as a two-way wing player. Butler adapted quickly to the 76ers' system under coach Brett Brown, appearing in 55 regular-season games and averaging 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 44.3 percent from the field.[4] His defensive intensity and playmaking complemented the young core, helping Philadelphia finish with a 51-31 record and the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite missing the 2019 All-Star Game, Butler's impact was evident in key moments, such as his season-high 38 points against the Los Angeles Lakers in December 2018. In the playoffs, the 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 4-1 in the first round, with Butler leading the team in scoring at 19.4 points per game overall during their 12-game run.[13] He posted a playoff-high 36 points in Game 1 against Brooklyn and notched 30 points with 10 rebounds in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Toronto Raptors.[13] Philadelphia pushed Toronto to seven games but lost the series 4-3, with Butler averaging 22.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists specifically against the Raptors; he also recorded 29 points and 11 rebounds in Game 4 of that series.[25] Butler topped the 76ers in playoff scoring average, underscoring his role as the team's offensive focal point in high-stakes matchups.[26] Following the season, Butler declined his $19.8 million player option for the 2019-20 campaign to enter unrestricted free agency, ultimately signing a four-year, $142 million contract with the Miami Heat via sign-and-trade.[27] This decision came amid reports of contract extension discussions with Philadelphia that did not materialize, allowing Butler to seek a long-term deal elsewhere.[28]Miami Heat (2019–2025)
On July 6, 2019, the Miami Heat officially acquired Jimmy Butler from the Philadelphia 76ers in a four-team sign-and-trade deal, after which he signed a four-year, $142 million maximum contract.[29] In his debut 2019–20 regular season with the Heat, Butler averaged 18.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game across 67 appearances, helping Miami secure the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 44–29 record.[4] The Heat advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2014, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics before falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.[30] During the 2020 NBA playoffs in the Orlando bubble, Butler emerged as a defensive standout, leading all players with 41 total steals (2.0 steals per game).[31] He averaged 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists across 21 playoff games, including a triple-double of 40 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds in Game 5 of the Finals.[13] Despite his efforts, the Heat lost the series to the Lakers 4–2, with Butler posting 26.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game in the Finals matchup.[32] Butler reached his peak with the Heat during the 2021–23 seasons, anchoring a defensive-minded roster that emphasized versatility and intensity. In 2021–22, Miami finished with the Eastern Conference's best record at 53–29, earning the No. 1 seed and advancing to the Conference Finals, where they fell to the Boston Celtics in seven games.[33] The following year, in 2022–23, Butler led the eighth-seeded Heat on a improbable playoff run as the first play-in team to reach the Finals, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Celtics en route. He was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP after averaging 24.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game in the series against Boston.[34] The Heat then lost to the Denver Nuggets 4–1 in the Finals, with Butler contributing 21.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. The 2023–25 period brought challenges for Butler in Miami, marked by persistent injuries and off-court tensions. In 2023–24, he appeared in only 37 games due to calf and shoulder issues, averaging 20.8 points while the Heat finished seventh in the East and exited in the first round.[4] The 2024–25 season saw further limitations, as Butler played in 55 games before a January suspension, averaging 17.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.[35] On January 3, 2025, the Heat suspended him for seven games without pay for "multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team," amid reports of insubordination and disputes with front-office decisions on roster moves.[36] These conflicts escalated after Butler requested a trade in October 2024, citing frustrations with the Heat's management and lack of aggressive personnel changes to contend for a championship.[37] On February 6, 2025, Miami traded him to the Golden State Warriors in a five-team deal involving players like Andrew Wiggins and draft assets, ending his tenure after leading the Heat to two Finals appearances and fostering a culture of resilience.[38]Golden State Warriors (2025–present)
On February 6, 2025, Jimmy Butler was traded from the Miami Heat to the Golden State Warriors in a multi-team deal that sent Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and multiple draft picks to Miami.[5] As part of the transaction, Butler agreed to a two-year, $121 million contract extension with the Warriors, keeping him under contract through the 2026–27 season.[5] Butler quickly integrated into the Warriors' lineup during the remainder of the 2024–25 season, contributing to a late surge that secured the seventh seed in the Western Conference with a 48–34 record.[39] On March 10, 2025, he recorded his first triple-double as a Warrior, finishing with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.[40] In the early portion of the 2025–26 season as of November 14, 2025, Butler has averaged 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game through the first nine contests. He missed one game due to a lower back strain but was cleared to return for the November 7 matchup against the Denver Nuggets, where he scored 16 points in a 129–104 loss. The Warriors stand at 5–4 as of November 14.[41][42] Butler has complemented Stephen Curry by providing defensive versatility across multiple positions and reliable clutch scoring, allowing Curry to focus on off-ball movement and perimeter creation.[43] Following a tumultuous exit from Miami marked by a two-game suspension in January 2025 for missing a team flight and subsequent indefinite suspension amid trade demands, Butler has faced adjustment challenges in re-establishing team chemistry and rhythm in Golden State's motion offense.[36] Despite initial reports of friction during integration, his veteran leadership has helped stabilize the rotation post-trade.[44]Career statistics and achievements
NBA regular season and playoffs
Jimmy Butler has established himself as a durable and impactful NBA player across 15 seasons, appearing in 888 regular-season games and averaging 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.[4] His development from a defensive specialist to a primary scorer is evident in his scoring progression, starting at 2.6 points per game as a rookie in 2011–12 and reaching a career high of 23.9 points per game during the 2016–17 season with the Chicago Bulls.[4] The table below details Butler's regular-season per-game statistics by season:| Season | Team | G | MPG | FG% | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | CHI | 42 | 8.5 | .405 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| 2012–13 | CHI | 82 | 26.0 | .467 | 8.6 | 4.0 | 1.4 | 1.0 |
| 2013–14 | CHI | 67 | 38.7 | .397 | 13.1 | 4.9 | 2.6 | 1.9 |
| 2014–15 | CHI | 65 | 38.7 | .462 | 20.0 | 5.8 | 3.3 | 1.8 |
| 2015–16 | CHI | 67 | 36.9 | .454 | 20.9 | 5.3 | 4.8 | 1.6 |
| 2016–17 | CHI | 76 | 37.0 | .455 | 23.9 | 6.2 | 5.5 | 1.9 |
| 2017–18 | MIN | 59 | 36.7 | .474 | 22.2 | 5.3 | 4.9 | 2.0 |
| 2018–19 | 2TM | 65 | 33.6 | .462 | 18.7 | 5.3 | 4.0 | 1.9 |
| 2019–20 | MIA | 58 | 33.8 | .455 | 19.9 | 6.7 | 6.0 | 1.8 |
| 2020–21 | MIA | 52 | 33.6 | .497 | 21.5 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 2.1 |
| 2021–22 | MIA | 57 | 33.9 | .480 | 21.4 | 5.9 | 5.5 | 1.6 |
| 2022–23 | MIA | 64 | 33.4 | .539 | 22.9 | 5.9 | 5.3 | 1.8 |
| 2023–24 | MIA | 55 | 33.6 | .499 | 20.8 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 1.2 |
| 2024–25 | 2TM | 55 | 31.7 | .504 | 17.5 | 5.4 | 5.4 | 1.4 |
| 2025–26 | GSW | 12 | 30.4 | .515 | 19.0 | 5.4 | 4.5 | 1.5 |
| Season | Team | G | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | CHI | 3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| 2012–13 | CHI | 12 | 13.3 | 5.2 | 2.7 | 1.3 | .435 |
| 2013–14 | CHI | 5 | 13.6 | 5.2 | 2.2 | 1.2 | .386 |
| 2014–15 | CHI | 12 | 22.9 | 5.6 | 3.2 | 2.4 | .441 |
| 2015–16 | CHI | 10 | 19.0 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 1.6 | .465 |
| 2016–17 | CHI | 6 | 22.7 | 7.3 | 4.3 | 1.7 | .426 |
| 2017–18 | MIN | 5 | 15.8 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 0.8 | .444 |
| 2018–19 | PHI | 12 | 19.4 | 6.0 | 5.2 | 1.5 | .451 |
| 2019–20 | MIA | 21 | 22.2 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 2.0 | .488 |
| 2020–21 | MIA | 4 | 14.5 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 1.3 | .297 |
| 2021–22 | MIA | 17 | 27.4 | 7.4 | 4.6 | 2.1 | .506 |
| 2022–23 | MIA | 22 | 26.9 | 6.5 | 5.9 | 1.8 | .468 |
| 2023–24 | MIA | 7 | 18.0 | 5.7 | 5.1 | 1.1 | .356 |
| 2024–25 | GSW | 11 | 19.2 | 6.6 | 5.2 | 1.3 | .447 |
College statistics
During his three seasons at Marquette University from 2008 to 2011, Jimmy Butler's statistical contributions evolved from a role player to a key starter and scorer for the Golden Eagles.[7] The following table summarizes his per-game averages across those seasons:| Season | Games | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–09 | 35 | 5.6 | 3.9 | 0.7 | 0.5 | .514 |
| 2009–10 | 34 | 14.7 | 6.4 | 2.0 | 1.3 | .530 |
| 2010–11 | 37 | 15.7 | 6.1 | 2.3 | 1.4 | .490 |
| Career | 106 | 12.1 | 5.5 | 1.7 | 1.1 | .511 |
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