When the Golden State Warriors made a shocking midseason move to acquire five-time All-Star Jimmy Butler, many in the basketball world raised their eyebrows. Some wondered how Butler’s gritty, take-no-prisoners style would mesh with the Warriors’ free-flowing, pass-happy system. Others questioned whether the addition came too late to shift the tides of a rollercoaster season. But if you asked Draymond Green, he already knew the outcome.
“I knew we were winning the championship the second Jimmy walked into the building,” Green told ESPN’s @malika_andrews during an exclusive sit-down interview. “It wasn’t even a question in my mind. That’s a dog right there. That’s someone who plays the game the right way, and who’s built for the moment.”
Draymond isn’t one to mince words. Known for his outspoken leadership and elite defensive IQ, Green has seen it all. He’s been the vocal engine of the Warriors dynasty alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for over a decade. But even he admitted that this past season had its doubts. The team struggled early with injuries, lineup changes, and a loaded Western Conference. Then came the blockbuster trade: Golden State sent a package of picks and role players to Miami in exchange for Butler.
“To be honest, I didn’t even need to see him in a Warriors jersey before I felt it,” Green continued. “Just knowing what Jimmy brings — the mindset, the toughness, the accountability — that’s what we were missing. We’ve always had talent. But sometimes you need that edge. And Jimmy brought it from day one.”
The move proved to be a game-changer. Butler quickly embraced the Warriors’ culture while adding his own trademark grit. He didn’t just fit in—he elevated the entire roster. Defensively, he and Green became a nightmare pairing, smothering opponents and taking on the toughest assignments. Offensively, Butler’s midrange scoring and ability to get to the line provided a new dimension to the Warriors’ system.
“Jimmy made us uncomfortable in the best way,” Green said. “He’s not afraid to get in your face, call you out, or challenge you. And we welcomed that. He held us accountable, and in turn, we played some of the best ball we’ve played since 2018.”
The Warriors went on a tear after the trade, finishing the regular season with one of the best records post-All-Star break. In the playoffs, they looked like the team of old—moving the ball, hitting threes, locking in defensively. Butler averaged 24.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in the postseason, including multiple clutch performances that sealed critical wins.
In the Finals, Golden State faced the Boston Celtics in a grueling six-game series. It was physical, defensive, and intense—exactly the kind of basketball Butler thrives in. In Game 6, with the series on the line, Jimmy delivered 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals, earning his first NBA championship and the Finals MVP.
“I told him after Game 6, ‘You’re a f***ing Warrior now,’” Draymond said, smiling. “And he just nodded. That’s Jimmy. No flash, no gimmicks—just heart, work, and buckets.”
When Malika asked if this championship felt different than the others, Draymond didn’t hesitate.
“Absolutely. Because of what we went through, how we had to grind, and because we added someone who pushed us to another level. People counted us out. They said the dynasty was over. But they forgot one thing: we’re still here. And now, with Jimmy? We might just run it back.”
One thing is certain—Draymond believed from the jump. And as it turns out, he was right.
