Butler downplays Miami return: 'That's so far behind me now'

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at Chase Center on February 25, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Jimmy Butler will return to Miami to face the Heat on Tuesday for the first time since being traded to the Golden State Warriors, but he's approaching the game like he would any other.

Butler downplayed the significance of the matchup following Saturday's 124-115 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, saying he's focused solely on helping the Warriors win.

"Yeah, I was traded from there, yada, yada, yada," Butler said, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "Yeah, it didn't end the way that people wanted to, yada yada yada.

"But that's so far behind me now. I don't even think about it. I don't pay attention to nothing except for the trajectory of this squad."

The six-time All-Star added that he isn't concerned about the reaction he'll receive from Heat fans.

"Not really, don't make no difference," Butler said. "I'm a member of the Golden State Warriors. I love that fan base. They showed me a lot of love while I was there. But I'm there to win now. I'm on the opposing team."

Butler was traded to Golden State in early February after six seasons in Miami. Since his debut on Feb. 8, the Warriors are 16-4, while the Heat are currently riding a 10-game losing streak.

The 35-year-old pointed to the lack of a championship when asked to characterize his Miami tenure.

"We were alright," Butler said. "We didn't win nothing like we were supposed to. So I don't know. We made some cool runs. We had some fun. I think that's all we did."

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