Every time Jimmy Butler joins a new team, something incredible happens – but this time, the pattern is even more unbelievable, as the Golden State Warriors improved in almost every area since his arrival.
At the start of the season, the Golden State Warriors were making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
A team that once dominated the NBA was now being criticized for wasting Stephen Curry's prime.
The front office seemed hesitant to make significant roster moves, with Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr repeatedly defending their approach, insisting they wouldn't "mortgage the future."
But that only fueled the debate – what future? The present looked bleak, and Golden State was on track to miss the playoffs for a second straight year.
That wasn't just bad news for Warriors fans – it was bad for the NBA. A postseason without Curry? Again?
The league could not afford such an outcome. Then came February 7th. The Warriors made their move, pulling off what many saw as a desperate attempt to save their season.
They traded for Jimmy Butler. At the time, the move was met with skepticism.
Some wondered if it was too late, while others questioned whether Butler, known for shaking up every locker room he enters, would even fit into Golden State's system.
But since his arrival, the Warriors have been one of the hottest teams in the league.
With Butler in the lineup, they've gone 16-3 and climbed back into the top six of the loaded Western Conference.
Statistical Impact of Butler's Arrival
The impact of Butler's presence is evident in the numbers.
Before the trade, Golden State had a negative point differential (-0.4 per 100 possessions, ranking 15th in the NBA). Since Butler's arrival, that number has skyrocketed to +9.6 (5th).
The Warriors' offense, which struggled early in the season, has improved dramatically.
Golden State Warriors / Schedule
Golden State Warriors
Milwaukee Bucks
Toronto Raptors
Atlanta Hawks
Miami Heat
New Orleans Pelicans
San Antonio SpursTheir offensive rating jumped from 112.7 points per 100 possessions (19th) to 119.6 (7th).
Meanwhile, their free throw attempts surged from 20.5 per game (27th) to 25.3 (4th), and their accuracy at the line improved from a league-worst .724 to an elite .827 (3rd).
Defensively, the Warriors' rating improved from allowing 113.1 points per 100 possessions (9th) to just 110.0 (2nd), solidifying them as one of the league's best defensive teams post-trade.
Why Butler is a Perfect Fit for Warriors
The Warriors have proven to be a better fit for Butler than anyone initially expected.
Golden State's biggest weakness in recent years has been the lack of a reliable low-post presence.
Now, they finally have a player who thrives under the basket, punishing defenses in both low-post and high-post situations.
This is a game-changer for Steve Kerr's system, adding an offensive dimension the team has long lacked.
Butler's ability to play through contact and force defenses into fouls has provided Golden State with a much-needed boost at the free-throw line.
Beyond his post play, Butler's style aligns perfectly with Golden State's offensive philosophy.
The Warriors incorporate elements of the triangle offense, a system Butler was already familiar with from his time in Chicago.
His elite cutting ability makes him a dangerous off-ball threat, perfectly complementing two of the highest IQ players in the league – Curry and Green.
Together, they can execute a variety of offensive actions, from pick-and-rolls to off-ball screens designed to free up Curry for open looks.
Defensively, Butler brings even more versatility to a team that has struggled with consistency on that end.
His presence allows the Warriors to survive stretches without Curry by leaning on defensive-oriented lineups.
A unit featuring Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, Butler, Green, and Quentin Post provides elite rim protection, mobility, and toughness.
While Golden State may lack offensive firepower when Curry is off the floor, they now have the ability to lock in defensively and disrupt opposing offenses.
Butler's Winning Influence: A Repeated Pattern
This isn't the first time Butler has transformed a franchise. In nearly every stop of his career, he has elevated his teams in ways that go beyond individual statistics. The pattern is undeniable.
Chicago Bulls
Butler helped the Bulls reach the playoffs in 5 out of the 6 seasons he has been a Bulls member.
After his departure, Chicago missed the playoffs for four consecutive years (2017-2021).
Minnesota Timberwolves
In Butler's lone full season with Minnesota (2017-18), the team won 47 games – 16 more than the previous year – and made the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
The following season, after trading Butler, the Wolves won only 36 games and returned to irrelevance.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers won 51 games in Butler's lone season (2018-19) and reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals, losing to the eventual champion Raptors in a legendary Game 7.
The following season, without Butler, Philadelphia's win total dropped to 43, and they were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Celtics.
Miami Heat
Before Butler's arrival, Miami finished 10th in the East with a 39-43 record (2018-19). In his first season (2019-20), the Heat improved to 44-29 and reached the NBA Finals.
Under Butler's leadership, the Heat have reached the Eastern Conference Finals three times in five seasons, making two Finals appearances despite often being an underdog.
