It took two months and a whole lot of drama for the Jimmy Butler saga to finally come to an end. As it stands, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors. Initially, though, his only preferred destination sat 753 miles away in Phoenix. What changed his desperation? Aside from the complications the Suns themselves, there was also a meeting with Pat Riley which strengthened the 35-year-old’s desire to leave. But the details of the meeting itself are startling.

According to The Athletic, the team president and Butler met on January 7. The aim of the meeting was one last effort from Riley to repair his strained relationship with Butler. It began with business as usual. However, when the pair spoke about Butler’s recently deceased father, a usually stoic Riley broke.

Having experienced the passing of his father at an early age, Riley reportedly shed tears when speaking to Jimmy Butler. It was his vulnerable moment and a connecting point between the two strong personalities. However, that moment was when the six-time All-Star was even more convinced about finding a new home.

Reports suggest Butler viewed Riley’s demeanor during the emotional meeting as “unhinged”. From there on began the internal turmoil that would tear the Heat organization for several weeks. Pat Riley made it his mission to trade Butler as soon as possible. But at the same time, he didn’t compromise on his ethics.

The 35-year-old would face three suspensions and lost nearly $500,000 for each game in that time. Furthermore, there were constant communication breakdowns between Butler’s camp and the Heat which contributed to his second suspension for missing a team flight.

Nonetheless, given the drastic point their relationship had reached, the best solution was for Jimmy Butler to find a new home. And now, with the Golden State Warriors, that is how he views the situation. A fresh start for him to finally revive his love for the game of basketball.

Jimmy Butler is looking forward to the Bay

With his imminent exit done, Butler was unveiled as a Warriors before their game against the Lakers. Most would think he would hold resentment toward the Heat. However, there was only appreciation that Jimmy Butler shed toward the organization. “I don’t got too many bad things to say about them. I don’t. They gave me opportunity. I felt like I did my job to the highest level.,” he said about the Heat.

But then again, the break with the Heat did keep him from doing something Butler loves the most. Naturally, the chance to compete and fight on the court are the moments Butler looks forward to. And now that he can do that once more, the six-time All-Star is looking forward to a fresh start in the Bay.

Yet, the break did have some benefits. It helped Butler catch up with his family and be in probably his best mental state. “I’m at a really good place mentally. This mini, mini break that I didn’t want, but had during the year, I got to spend more time with my kids, more time with my loved ones to reflect on a lot. But I’m in shape, I’m ready to go,” he said at his introductory press conference. 

With that being said, Jimmy Butler is raving to once again play meaningful basketball. However, this time it’s with “joy”, a sensation he claimed to have lost when donning the Heat jersey. What do you expect from Butler and the Warriors in their time together? Let us know your views in the comments below.