Jimmy Butler rejects talk of Warriors decline, plans to finish career in Golden State
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Golden State guard Jimmy Butler said he has no intention of leaving the Bay Area and dismissed speculation that the franchise’s winning window is closing.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, June 28, Butler declared, “End is a bad word,” when asked whether the Warriors’ recent playoff exit signaled the conclusion of their championship era. The 36-year-old veteran added that he wants to play “as long as my body lets me” and retire in a Warriors uniform.
Butler, acquired in a blockbuster trade before the 2024-25 season, averaged 22.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 71 games last year while helping Golden State reach the Western Conference semifinals. Rumors had circulated that the club might shift toward a rebuild after failing to reach the NBA Finals for a third straight season.
“I came here to win, and I still believe we can,” Butler said. “We’re not done.”
He also praised head coach Steve Kerr and longtime teammates Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, calling their leadership “the reason I chose Golden State in the first place.” Butler is entering the second season of a four-year, $168 million contract.
The Warriors open training camp in late September.
Source: New York Post
