The Golden State Warriors made a bold move by trading for Jimmy Butler. They aimed to capitalize on Stephen Curry’s remaining prime years. The impact was immediate. Since the trade on February 7, the Warriors have gone 13-2. Butler has proven he can still play at an All-Star level, but his true value comes from his two-way dominance. Unlike in Miami, where he was the unquestioned No. 1 option, Butler now plays a different role. His elite defense and shot creation make him invaluable. As the Warriors’ No. 2 scoring option, Jimmy Butler has more freedom to operate efficiently.
Jimmy Butler Will Elevate His Scoring Very Soon
Playing With More Freedom
Curry’s presence allows Butler to focus on what makes him special—his toughness, versatility, and winning mentality. Without the burden of being the primary scorer, Butler can conserve energy and contribute in other impactful ways.
Golden State was struggling before the trade, teetering on the edge of missing the play-in tournament. Butler’s arrival changed that. The Warriors are now firmly in the playoff hunt. His leadership, experience, and skill set have stabilized the team.
One question remains: What was Miami thinking when they let him go?
Miami’s Rationale for the Trade
The Heat’s decision to move Butler wasn’t entirely surprising. There had been friction between Butler and the front office for some time. Miami hesitated to extend his contract and resisted his demands throughout the season. His trade request became inevitable.
Now, Golden State reaps the rewards. The Warriors have their best player alongside Curry and Draymond Green since Kevin Durant. While Butler isn’t Durant, he doesn’t need to be. His presence alone is propelling the Warriors back into contention.
Butler’s Playoff Mindset
Despite Butler’s strong impact in the regular season, the real test comes in the playoffs. Butler is known for coasting through the regular season to save energy for the postseason. Historically, he elevates his scoring when it matters most.
Since his first All-Star season in 2014-15, Butler’s playoff scoring has exceeded his regular-season average in all but three years. Each of those years ended in a first-round exit against stronger teams. On a team like Golden State, Butler won’t face the same burden. Instead, he will thrive in a system built around Curry’s gravity.
Buddy Hield recently described Butler as a “connector,” a player who makes everything click on both ends. That’s exactly what the Warriors needed. Even though his scoring has dipped post-All-Star break, history suggests it’s part of his plan.
Jimmy Butler’s Pattern of Scoring Elevation
Butler’s scoring drop after the All-Star break is nothing new. In the 2019-20 season, his first with Miami, his scoring fell from 20.6 before the break to 17.3 after. In the playoffs, it jumped to 22.2.
The trend continued in 2021-22. He averaged 21.8 points before the break and 20.5 after, but in the playoffs, he exploded for 27.4 per game. Even in 2022-23, his scoring increased from 25.6 after the break to 26.9 in the playoffs.
The only exception was 2020-21, when his postseason scoring dipped. But that season, Miami relied too heavily on Butler, with its next three scorers being young players—Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Kendrick Nunn.
A Playoff Surge Awaits
This season, Butler has the perfect environment to elevate his game. He no longer carries the full offensive load, allowing him to conserve energy. Once the playoffs begin on April 19, expect him to reach another level.
With a rejuvenated Curry alongside him, Butler could push the Warriors into an unlikely championship run. His history suggests a scoring explosion is imminent. The stage is set for Butler to once again prove he thrives when it matters most.
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