Jimmy Butler Expected to Make Warriors Debut vs. Bulls After Heat Trade at Deadline

Jimmy Butler's debut with the Golden State Warriors is expected to come against a familiar foe.

The team announced that Butler is in line to make his first appearance for the Warriors on Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls. Butler spent the first six seasons of his career in the Windy City.

Golden State acquired Butler Wednesday night from the Miami Heat in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and a first-round pick, while Dennis Schröder went to the Utah Jazz and was ultimately rerouted to the Detroit Pistons. As part of the agreement, Butler landed a two-year, $111 million extension with the Warriors.

Butler has had a tumultuous 2024-25 season, to say the least. He averaged 17 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 25 games for the Miami Heat but was issued three different suspensions due to conduct detrimental to the team. He has not played since Jan. 21 and has only played in five games since Dec. 20.

He should seriously aid a Warriors team that is pushing for a playoff spot. Golden State is currently 25-26 and 11th in the Western Conference. Butler will join Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga as the team tries to climb further up the standings in order to do some damage in the postseason and potentially avoid the play-in tournament.

The Warriors will take on the Bulls at 8 p.m. ET at United Center.