Erik Spoelstra Offered Glowing Jimmy Butler Referral Ahead Of Golden State Trade

There’s proof it wasn’t all dangerous blood when Jimmy Butler was traded from the Miami Warmth to the Golden State Warriors in February.

Whereas Butler feuded with Pat Riley, it did not stop Warmth coach Erik Spoelstra from giving a robust endorsement after parting methods. Warriors coach Steve Kerr just lately mentioned he spoke with Spoelstra across the time of the commerce.

“Erik Spoelstra told me immediately, ‘He’s going to be great for you.’ And I know Spo really well from the last couple of summers and I trust him,” Kerr informed Tim Kawakami on “The TK Show.” “I believed him and he was right. Within a couple of days of his arrival, Jimmy was so easy to speak with.”

Like his first season in Miami, Butler did all the things proper as soon as he joined the Warriors. He helped flip issues round earlier than the season ended with a second-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves within the Western Convention playoffs. The Warriors could have superior additional if guard Steph Curry remained wholesome as a substitute of sustaining a hamstring damage early within the sequence.

Kerr went far as evaluating Butler to Andre Iguodala, among the finest staff gamers throughout his profession.

“He reminded me of Andre [Iguodala] with the basketball intellect, but also the interest in the world perspective and the maturity,” Kerry mentioned. It was actually enjoyable to get to know Jimmy instantly and to see the influence he had on our staff and our locker room.”

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