Jimmy Butler's interpretation of Miami Heat team president Pat Riley's actions during a Jan. 7 meeting reportedly sealed the disgruntled star's decision to find a way out of South Florida.
According to James Jackson, Sam Amick and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Butler did not react well to Riley becoming emotional and tearing up when talking to Butler about the death of his father, which occurred last year.
Riley's father died when the Basketball Hall of Famer was 25, and while he attempted to connect with Butler on that common ground, Butler reportedly felt Riley came across as "unhinged and disturbing."
The Heat ultimately found a trade partner this week, sending Butler to the Golden State Warriors as part of a multi-team deal that landed them Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and a top-10-protected 2025 first-round pick.
As part of the meeting, Butler reportedly felt Riley gave him "unsolicited and unwanted" parenting advice, although team sources insisted that Butler's interpretation was off.
Regardless, Butler was reportedly "more convinced than ever" after the meeting that he needed to continue his basketball career elsewhere, and Riley "was more motivated than ever to oblige."
Prior to the trade, the Heat had suspended Butler three times over the course of a month for various reasons.
The first suspension was for seven games due to conduct detrimental to the team, and as part of the suspension announcement, the Heat divulged that they would listen to trade offers for the six-time All-Star.
Butler was then suspended two games for missing a team flight and indefinitely for walking out of a practice.
The 35-year-old Butler spent the past six seasons in Miami following stints with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers.
He twice led the Heat to the NBA Finals and seemingly always raised his level of play during the postseason, averaging 24.7 points per game in 64 playoff contests as a member of the Heat.
In 316 regular-season games with Miami, Butler averaged 21.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game, but his numbers are down a bit this season to the tune of 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals per contest.
Still, the Warriors decided to take a chance on Butler by adding him to the core of veterans Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, as well as young up-and-comers Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody and Trayce Jackson-Davis.
As part of the trade, the Warriors signed Butler to two-year, $112.58 million contract extension, ensuring he will be under contract through the 2026-27 season.
While Butler and the Heat enjoyed a great deal of success together, their relationship ended on unfortunate terms.
A breakup was seemingly the best thing for all parties involved, though, and Butler can now focus on getting the 25-26 Warriors into the playoffs, while the 25-24 Heat will look to keep their five-year playoff streak alive without him.
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