When the Golden State Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, many questioned whether Butler would fit into the Golden State’s culture. Would he clash with Draymond Green? Would his demanding nature disrupt the locker room? While we’re just a few weeks into his tenure, it’s clear those concerns were unfounded. Instead of conflict, Butler has brought order, intensity, contagious confidence and a renewed sense of purpose to a Warriors team that had been struggling to find consistency.
And for those that bet basketball live, Golden State is winning games in a fashion that has many placing them into dark horse status – a level or two where they sat before the trade. Golden State has gone 5-1 since Butler put on a Golden State jersey, and the difference is evident in their offensive efficiency, defensive intensity, and overall chemistry. Here are ten ways Butler has changed the Warriors for the better.
1. Butler’s Leadership Has Stabilized the Locker Room
The Warriors’ season had been chaotic before Butler arrived. The team was treading water, hovering around .500, and unable to establish an identity. Steve Kerr openly admitted that the trade was necessary to shake things up. “We felt it. We were kind of treading water. We couldn’t get any traction in the season, and Mike [Dunleavy] sensed it and made the move. And you can feel the shift,” Kerr said. Butler, known for his strong personality and high expectations, has brought order. His leadership isn’t just about words—it’s about setting a tone with his work ethic and mindset. Players have responded, and the results speak for themselves.
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2. His Chemistry with Draymond Green
Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler were expected to clash, but the opposite has happened. Instead of butting heads, they’ve bonded over their shared intensity and love for the game. Green, who now understands Butler’s approach, said on his podcast: “Jimmy is an over-communicator. He’s going to come to you before something happens and say, ‘If this happens, we’re going to do this.’ I see how people can get tired of Jimmy… but if you don’t eat, sleep, and breathe this game, I can see how you could get frustrated with him.” Instead of creating tension, Butler’s constant communication has helped Draymond—and the entire team—stay more organized and proactive.
3. The Warriors’ Offense Has Become More Efficient
Before Butler, Golden State ranked 18th in offensive rating. Since his arrival, they’ve jumped to sixth. The Warriors have always relied on ball movement, but Butler adds a new dimension. He can run the offense, take defenders off the dribble, and generate high-percentage looks for himself and his teammates. “The formula is different with Jimmy because you can run the offense through him,” Steph Curry said. With Butler, the Warriors don’t have to force shots or rely solely on Curry’s heroics.
4. His Defense Has Elevated the Entire Team
Golden State has jumped from 10th to fifth in defensive rating since Butler arrived. His one-on-one defense and switchability have given the Warriors another elite perimeter defender to pair with Green. “Most people aren’t winners,” Green said. “But the things that Jimmy does—it’s music to my ears to talk basketball with someone who knows the game like him.” The Warriors have been noticeably more locked in on defense, closing out possessions and forcing turnovers at a higher rate.
5. The Free-Throw Shooting Has Improved Dramatically
Before Butler, the Warriors were dead last in the NBA in free-throw percentage. Since his arrival, they are second in the league. This preposterous shift is directly due to Butler’s aggressive style. He’s strong. Jimmy attacks the rim, gets to the line frequently, and shoots free throws at a high clip. “When you have a guy who can get to the free-throw line as frequently as Jimmy Butler … you’re giving [Curry] a break,” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said. This allows Curry to conserve energy, keeping him fresh for late-game situations.
6. The Warriors’ Ball Movement is Back
Golden State has jumped from ninth to third in assists per game with Butler in the lineup. One of his underrated skills is his passing ability. Butler consistently finds cutters, makes the extra pass, and knows how to manipulate defenses to create open shots. “Everybody is benefiting from having him here,” Kerr said. With Butler, the Warriors are once again playing the beautiful, unselfish basketball that made them a dynasty.
His presence has also helped unlock the team’s secondary playmakers, giving players like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga more chances to create. Defenses can no longer key in solely on Curry, as Butler’s ability to initiate offense forces them to pick their poison. This renewed emphasis on ball movement has led to better shot quality, more open looks from three, and easier baskets in transition. As a result, the Warriors’ offense feels more dynamic and unpredictable, making them a much tougher team to guard heading into the postseason.
Just as in live ice hockey betting, where momentum shifts can dictate outcomes, the Warriors’ fluid passing and unselfish play have made them a more unpredictable and dangerous team. As a result, their offense feels more dynamic, making them a much tougher team to guard heading into the postseason.
7. The Rotations Are More Defined
Before the trade, the Warriors were constantly adjusting their lineups, trying to find reliable combinations. With Butler, roles are clearer. Curry summed it up: “The idea of just a comfort knowing when you’re going back to old rotations where you’re playing a set block, out for a block, and come back in. It just makes sense.” Players like Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield now have set roles that limits the amount of responsibility on the floor, and the team is benefiting.
8. The Team’s Confidence Has Skyrocketed
Golden State has shifted from wondering if they can win to expecting to win. The mental makeup of the team has completely changed. “They’ve gone from thinking they should win games and wondering why they didn’t, to believing they’ll win and then doing it,” one analyst noted. This shift in mindset and confidence has been crucial for the Warriors’ turnaround.
9. He Has Helped Curry Extend His Prime
Curry, at 36, can’t carry the Warriors every night. Butler’s presence reduces the burden, allowing Steph to pick his spots rather than having to carry the offense for all 48 minutes. His ability to draw fouls, initiate offense, and play physical defense takes a lot of pressure off Curry. With Butler handling more of the heavy lifting, Steph looks energized and engaged, which bodes well for the playoffs.
This also allows Curry to conserve his energy for crucial late-game moments, where his clutch shooting can be the difference between a win and a loss. With Butler acting as another playmaker, Curry doesn’t have to constantly create his own shot, giving him more opportunities to move off the ball—something he excels at. Additionally, Butler’s defensive presence means Curry isn’t forced to guard the opponent’s best perimeter player, preserving his legs for the offensive end. By lightening Curry’s workload, Butler is ensuring that Golden State’s biggest star can still deliver at an elite level deep into the season.
10. The Warriors Now Look Like Contenders Again
Just a few weeks ago, there was talk of blowing up the roster. Now? The Warriors are rolling. Golden State has one of the easiest remaining schedules, and their newfound chemistry suggests they are only going to get better. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith admitted he was wrong about the trade: “I think I was … I was wrong when I first spoke about this [trade].” Even skeptics now see that Butler has completely revitalized the Warriors.
Butler Fills Many of the Warrior’s Gaps
The Butler trade has been a game-changer for the Warriors. From stabilizing the locker room and elevating their defense to improving free-throw shooting and making the offense more efficient, Butler has had an immediate and undeniable impact. Golden State now looks like a serious playoff threat, and with Butler in the mix, they might just have one more championship run left in them.
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