Jimmy Butler says he won’t change his approach on the court, despite the Heat‘s inability to strike a trade for Damian Lillard. Now that the dust has settled following the blockbuster trade that sent Lillard from the Trail Blazers to the Bucks, Butler has weighed in with a pointed response about the saga.
Butler made it known during an interview with NBA TV’s Taylor Rooks on Monday that he’s “happy for Dame to be somewhere he’s wanted.” But he qualified that comment with a supremely confident quip aimed at Lillard, Bucks star power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee’s first-year head coach, Adrian Griffin.
“I’m still gonna be me. I’m gonna go beat Dame, Giannis and Adrian Griffin on our way to a title,” Butler told NBA TV.
“I am happy for Dame … but I’m still gonna be me. I’m gonna go beat Dame, Giannis, and Adrian Griffin on our way to a title.”@JimmyButler sits down with @TaylorRooks to discuss the Damian Lillard trade and expectations for this upcoming season pic.twitter.com/VkJSDRBGhm
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 2, 2023
It might be the most Jimmy Butler answer ever, as the 34-year-old seldom lets a challenge deter his confidence. Although Miami was unable to defeat the Nuggets in the NBA Finals last season, Butler enjoyed one of the best campaigns of his career, posting averages of 22.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. He also shot a career-best 53.9% from the field during the regular season.
