Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem spent weeks watching his former team endure the never-ending Jimmy Butler saga.
Now, Butler is on his way to the Golden State Warriors. Miami dealt the six-time All-Star midway through Wednesday’s victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Count Haslem among those pleased with the trade.
“I have just been waiting to exhale,” Haslem declared on ESPN.
Haslem went one step further describing the last month. Butler requested a trade Jan. 2 and has served three separate suspensions for violating team rules, missing a team flight, and walking out of practice.
“It has been mentally, emotionally, and physically draining in this period of time for everyone,” Haslem said.
“So I am quite happy that we finally got it figured out, and the guys in the locker room can quiet the noise and play with a clear mind.”
Haslem played with Butler from 2019 through 2023. Miami reached the finals twice in that span, losing to the Lakers in 2020 and the Nuggets three years later.
However, Haslem has no lingering resentment towards Butler. He praised his ex-teammate and said the veteran forward is an excellent fit for a Warriors team seeking one more title in the Stephen Curry era.
“I know what Jimmy is firsthand,” Haslem said. “Playoff Jimmy. I know what he brings. He’s definitely gonna take some stress off Steph. … You can go to Jimmy, and he’s gonna be efficient for you.”
LOVE POKES FUN AT BUTLER TRADE
Sparsely used Heat forward Kevin Love has been busy in recent weeks posting about the Butler drama.
Did you really think he’d stop after the Heat finally dealt Butler?
Love continued his recent social media onslaught following Wednesday’s victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. This time, Love invoked The Shawshank Redemption. Love shared the scene where Andy Dufresne finally escapes prison.
“Jimmy Butler and the Shawshank Redemption,” Love wrote.
Love typically references popular movies like Casino, Pulp Fiction, and Scarface. No surprise he posted a famous clip from Shawshank.
Butler said last month he approves of Love’s humor, even when it comes at his expense.
“I like Kev, but [he’s] not more petty than I am,” Butler told reporters, “and he’s giving me a run for my money.”
(Also, we’re sorry if we spoiled a 30-year-old movie considered one of the greatest in cinema history. Blame Love!)
MORE ON BUTLER TRADE
After finally trading Butler, the Heat will receive Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and a protected first-round pick.
The six-time All-Star requested a trade Jan. 2 amid a lingering feud with Heat president Pat Riley.
Miami suspended Butler three times for misconduct in January, including missing a team flight and walking out of practice. He has been away from the team since.
Butler will now team with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, a pair of future NBA Hall of Famers.
During his six-year tenure with the Heat, Butler led them to the NBA Finals twice. In 2020, his first season, the Heat lost to LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers. In 2023, they fell to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
Despite the problems, he had one of the most successful tenures of any Heat player. Some have placed him among the likes of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal. The only thing missing was that elusive title, which Butler failed to accomplish.
While his exit wasn’t pretty, Butler will have a lasting legacy in Miami.
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Jake Elman works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat on SI. He can be reached at jakeelman97@gmail.com or follow him on X @JakeElman97.
