Jimmy Butler couldn’t hide his excitement on Warriors media day. “I get to do this thing from day one,” he said with that trademark grin. “I’m super hyped, I’m super excited. I got to train with my guys this summer.” For the first time, Butler enters training camp as a member of the Golden State Warriors– months after a blockbuster midseason trade from the Miami Heat in February. Now, with the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on the horizon, the energy around the team feels electric. And it’s not just happening on the court.

Butler and Draymond Green were recently spotted ringside at UFC 320 in Las Vegas, a sight that set social media ablaze. The photos showed two fiery competitors- now teammates- sharing laughs and soaking in the action. It was a different kind of matchup, but one that spoke volumes about the team’s chemistry forming early. Butler has made it clear: he’s all-in from day one.

“Being here from the start, doing what we set out to do from the very beginning- that’s what matters,” he said. “I’ve talked with all the guys, seen how they’ve been working, and I’m just glad I get to be part of it from this media day on up.”

However, it was reported that Butler had rolled his ankle on Thursday, causing him to miss multiple days of practice. Coach Steve Kerr spoke on the situation, calling Butler’s status a “question mark,” adding on his potential appearance at preseason, saying, “That’ll be a training staff decision.”

The Warriors are showing caution in their approach with their veteran core and are keeping close tabs on the health of Butler, Curry, Green and Al Horford.

Kerr discussed preventing heavy preseason workloads and stated, “I don’t think anybody will play much more than 15, 18 minutes. Maybe a couple of young guys get into the 20s. First game, I love to give everybody time. I want to give every player who’s on the active list some minutes.”

Other notable injuries heading into the game against the Lakers are third-year center Trayce Jackson-Davis, who had his right thumb taped up, and veteran guard De’Anthony Melton, who is undergoing rehab from an ACL tear last year.

Melton will also miss the entire preseason and some of the early season. The Lakers will also be depleted in this matchup, with LeBron James and Luka Doncic sitting, amongst others.

Jimmy Butler Reassured Jonathan Kuminga on Potential Future

In the offseason, when Jonathan Kuminga’s holdout was nearing its end, Jimmy Butler weighed in on the situation during Warriors Media Day. Butler and Curry expressed hopes that the 22-year-old will rise to the occasion once a decision is agreed upon.

Butler, reflecting on a player’s priorities and professionalism, said, “He’s gonna have to be. No matter what happens, he’s gonna have to be because the main goal should always be about winning. When you win, you get everything you want anyways.”

He made it clear that the team values every contribution, and collective success remains the mission for the roster. Butler is a six-time All-Star known for his no-nonsense leadership and history of mentoring young talent, such as his time with Bam Adebayo in Miami.

Framing Kuminga as a complementary piece rather than a threat helped ease tensions in a roster blending veterans. Notably, in an interview with The Athletic, Butler said of Kuminga, “I figure we’ll spend a lot of time together. I would like to think I’ll make his job a lot easier & he’ll also make my job easier. He’s another individual they’re going to have to guard. Then on defense, you got another ‘MFe-’ that can switch, challenge shots.”

This reciprocity- highlighting how Kuminga’s athleticism like his rim pressure and switchability aids Butler’s mid-range game and defensive versatility. This fosters a “strength in numbers” mentality. It counters any perception of Kuminga as a benchwarmer overshadowed by the star-studded core, promoting buy-in across the rotation.

Offering guidance from his own experiences, Butler also sent Kuminga’s message, hoping to help the young forward in this time of uncertainty.

“I just tell him, ‘Don’t compare yourself to anybody. It’s your decision, it’s your life. Do what you feel is right in your heart, and you do what you think is right for you. It’s your career, your life. Don’t let anybody make no type of decision for you, except for you,” He said, and that undoubtedly helped Kuminga and the Warriors come to the contract agreement.