Dub Hub: Jimmy Butler expected to make Warriors debut Saturday vs. Bulls

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Friday, February 7th.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• During his introductory press conference, newly acquired Warrior Jimmy Butler says he expects to make his debut with the team this Saturday against the Bulls.
• Warriors post thank you tribute for Andrew Wiggins.
• Nets working toward a buyout with former All-Star point guard Ben Simmons.

The Golden State Warriors officially introduced Jimmy Butler as their newest addition to the team on Thursday night. While the Warriors could have used the six-time All-Star’s presence in their 120-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last night, Butler says he is aiming to make his debut during the team’s next game, this Saturday against the Chicago Bulls.

Saturday’s game coincidentally marks Butler’s return to the city that drafted him 30th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. Since then, he has played for three other teams, most recently the Miami Heat where he was averaging 17 points per game in 25 games played this season.

With the NBA trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, Butler’s arrival marks the Warriors’ only significant change to the roster prior to the deadline. The six-time All-Star brings a level of toughness and grit that Golden State has lacked this season, and despite the midseason shake-up, head coach Steve Kerr isn’t concerned about Butler’s transition into the starting lineup.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Friday, February 7th:

Warriors News:

Butler: Heat issues in past, hungry for title with Warriors | ESPN

“We good,” Butler said. “Pass the ball to Steph. And get out the way. Easy.”

Butler, who has shown the ability to carry a team in the postseason, says he can learn something about winning from Curry, Green and Kerr, who have won four championships with the Warriors.

Green has said that Butler will fit in fine because he has a winning pedigree like the Warriors. Green also said he sees a lot of similarities in how he and Butler play with an edge and aggression.

“I think our personalities are going to be fine,” Butler said of playing alongside Green. “I would like to say that I am a winner. I haven’t won it. But I would like to call myself a winner. I do want to win it. It being a championship.

How Jimmy Butler-Heat relationship devolved to where a trade was the only solution | The Athletic

According to multiple league sources with knowledge of the meeting, tears welled in Riley’s eyes as he attempted to connect with Butler on a human level. Both men had lost their fathers, and Riley’s famed toughness faded in the moment as he thought about Butler mourning his father’s death last season. But Riley’s vulnerability did not land with Butler. The player viewed Riley’s behavior as “unhinged,” a league source close to Butler said.

Butler left the meeting more convinced than ever that he needed a new basketball home. Team sources close to Riley say he promptly sent word that the meeting did not go well and was more motivated than ever to oblige. With that, any hope of an accord between the progenitor of Heat Culture and its modern torch-bearer floated off into Biscayne Bay.

What we learned as Steph’s surge can’t save Warriors’ loss to Lakers | NBC Sports Bay Area

Perhaps disgusted with his team’s performance in the first half, Warriors coach Steve Kerr made a significant adjustment entering the third quarter.

He turned to the small lineup, with Green at center, Moses Moody at power forward, Buddy Hield at small forward and Brandin Podziemski joining Curry in the backcourt.

Voila! That group changed the defensive energy, which allowed Golden State’s offense to shift from second gear into overdrive.

The Warriors opened the third quarter with an 8-0 run in only 83 seconds, cutting the deficit to 12. The Warriors pulled within six (81-75) on a Curry 3-ball with 3:44 left in the quarter.

Steph Curry on the non-call resulting in a bump on his head: “I’m going to send a picture of my face to the league”

Warriors post thank you message for Andrew Wiggins

NBA News:

Mavs expecting ‘weird’ scene in first home game post trade | ESPN

“Probably a lot of heartbreak amongst the fans,” Klay Thompson said after scoring 25 points in a 127-120 victory over the defending champion Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Thursday. “Probably some boos. But, as a professional, you have to embrace everything, and we’re paid to play this game and perform at the highest level.

“I don’t know what to expect. I know Luka was so dear to every Mavs fan’s heart. We’ve just got to win, and do it on a consistent basis, and give ourselves a chance to win the whole thing, and I think that will ease all of the fans’ pain and anger.

“It’s going to be weird, but that’s what we sign up for.”

Ben Simmons working toward buyout with Nets, to meet with Cavaliers, Clippers, Rockets: Source | The Athletic

The Clippers have a rare need for a player like Simmons after trading five players, acquiring four players and being left not only with an open roster spot but multiple players who could offer roster flexibility.

I am told that Simmons is looking for stability and a winning environment. The Clippers need two things that Simmons can theoretically provide: a versatile defender capable of being big enough to guard centers in second units, and a decent ballhandler and playmaker for one of the worst teams in the league at protecting the basketball.

LA’s current depth chart has no true point guard or center. Simmons’ position has fluctuated between both, especially in his Nets career.

Final rosters for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Player grades: Warriors vs. Lakers

Pat Spencer

17 minutes, 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, 6-for-9 shooting, 0-for-1 threes, 1-for-1 free throws, 68.9% TS, -2

We know the Warriors are likely to convert Quinten Post’s two-way contract, as they have to fill out their roster after trading four players for one. Might Spencer also get a chance to earn a guaranteed roster spot? He’s been playing fantastic basketball lately.

Grade: A

A tweet to end the week:

Follow @unstoppablebaby on Twitter for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.