In a surprising twist amidst a fractured relationship, the Miami Heat has announced plans to honor Jimmy Butler with a tribute video when he returns to the Kaseya Center for the first time since his trade to the Golden State Warriors last month. The Heat will host Butler and the Warriors on Tuesday evening, but the question remains: how will the Miami crowd react?

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Despite the Heat’s attempt at honoring him, Butler is indifferent to the gesture. “Will I watch [the tribute]? Yeah, I’ll watch. If they have one, if they don’t, it makes no difference. It really doesn’t,” said Butler when asked about the upcoming tribute video after a Warriors practice at Barry University in Miami Shores.

A Rocky Exit from Miami

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The Heat’s decision to honor Butler is bittersweet, given the tumultuous nature of his exit from the team. Butler, once one of the franchise’s key players, was traded on February 6, 2025, after a season marred by a series of public disputes, trade requests, and multiple suspensions. Butler’s relationship with the Heat soured, culminating in three suspensions without pay. Miami received Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, a 2025 first-round pick from Golden State, and Davion Mitchell from Toronto in exchange for Butler.

Reflecting on the suspensions, Butler stated, “It wasn’t anything I actually did because I didn’t do anything too drastic to deserve X amount of games being suspended. But it is what it is. Yeah, I got some bills. So what, it’s all taken care of.”

Butler’s Perspective on His Departure

When asked if he would still be with the Heat had they offered him a contract extension, Butler answered with a simple, “No.” He added that, by last offseason, he could see where things were headed. “I knew what direction, how it was going. Nobody ever asked me, though.”

As for his reunion with Heat president Pat Riley, Butler remains unfazed. “I ain’t got no thoughts. I don’t have nothing to say to nobody. I don’t have no hard feelings. I’m in a better place now for me.”

Butler’s Impact on the Heat’s History

Despite the rocky end to his tenure, Butler leaves a lasting legacy in Miami. During his time with the Heat, he helped lead the team to three Eastern Conference Finals appearances and two NBA Finals. He was selected for two NBA All-Star Games, made three All-NBA teams, and cemented his place as one of the franchise’s all-time leaders in multiple categories, including points, assists, and steals.

However, the Heat failed to win an NBA championship during his tenure, and his departure marks the end of an era in Miami basketball. Butler’s leadership, memorable playoff performances, and contributions to the Heat’s success will not be forgotten, even if his exit wasn’t on the best of terms.

A New Chapter in Golden State

Butler’s move to Golden State brought with it a fresh start and a massive contract extension. The Warriors signed him to a two-year max extension worth $111 million, the same deal that Butler had once hoped for from the Heat. He is now poised to continue his career in the Bay Area, where he has already contributed significantly to the Warriors’ success.

In his first 19 games with Golden State, Butler has averaged 17.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. The Warriors have an impressive 16-3 record when Butler has played, though they may face the Heat without their star, Stephen Curry, who is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game.

Facing His Former Team

As for the game against the Heat, Butler remains focused. “This is basketball. This is very simple,” he said. “I’m going there to hoop, I’m going there to play basketball. Ain’t nothing nobody says, nothing nobody does that’s going to get me out of character. Nobody got me out of character when I was going through what I was going through this entire season with the suspensions. It’s just another day for me.”

Whether Butler receives cheers or boos from the Kaseya Center crowd, it is clear that his time in Miami, both the highs and the lows, has shaped his career and his mindset. The Heat may honor him with a tribute video, but for Butler, it’s simply another chapter in his journey as an NBA player.