Warriors’ Jimmy Butler Reveals Why He Initially Wanted Suns Trade
March 26, 2025 – In a surprising revelation, Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler shared the reasons behind his desire for a trade to the Phoenix Suns earlier in his career. The 35-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the most competitive players in the NBA, made the disclosure in a candid interview during the Warriors’ media day on Tuesday.
Butler’s journey to Golden State has been a rollercoaster, and despite thriving with the Warriors, he admitted that he initially sought a move to Phoenix before landing in San Francisco. Known for his no-nonsense approach to basketball and leadership, Butler revealed that his decision was driven by several factors—most notably his desire for a change in scenery and the chance to play alongside a dynamic roster.
Seeking a New Challenge
One of the primary reasons Butler considered the Suns was the franchise’s rapid ascension in recent years. Coming off a promising season with the Miami Heat, where he led the team to the NBA Finals, Butler was eager for a new challenge—one that involved helping a rising team cement its place in the NBA hierarchy.
At the time, Phoenix had a solid core that included superstars like Devin Booker and emerging talent like Deandre Ayton. “I’ve always believed in competition,” Butler said during the interview. “I wanted to join a team that was on the brink of something special. The Suns had an incredible roster and seemed poised to make a real push for the championship. I wanted to be part of that.”
With the Heat rebuilding and a sense that he had given all he could to the franchise, Butler started exploring options, and Phoenix appeared to be the ideal destination.
The Phoenix Suns’ Culture
Another driving force behind Butler’s interest in Phoenix was the team’s culture, which closely mirrored the toughness and defensive mentality he’s known for. Butler, who has built a career on his work ethic, defensive prowess, and leadership, saw a natural fit with the Suns’ blue-collar ethos under coach Monty Williams.
“Phoenix’s culture was something I respected,” Butler explained. “They play hard, they play smart, and they’re hungry. That’s the kind of environment I wanted to be in. You can tell just by watching their games—they’ve got a lot of grit, and they fight for every possession.”
Butler was particularly drawn to the Suns’ young stars, specifically Booker, whose scoring ability and basketball IQ had impressed him. The thought of pairing with such a gifted player was an attractive proposition for Butler, who thrives when surrounded by other elite players capable of carrying their own load.
Why the Trade Never Happened
Despite his interest, the trade to Phoenix ultimately never materialized. According to Butler, discussions between the Suns and the Heat faltered due to a number of logistical and financial challenges. However, fate would soon take its turn when the Warriors, fresh off a disappointing postseason, offered Butler a chance to join their championship-caliber roster in 2024.
“I’ll be honest, the Suns trade didn’t happen for a lot of reasons, but I’m grateful it didn’t because coming to Golden State has been a blessing,” Butler said. “Here, I found a system that fits me perfectly. Playing with guys like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson—those guys make me better every day. It was the right fit, even though Phoenix seemed like a great opportunity at the time.”
Looking Back
Now, in his first season with the Warriors, Butler has been a key contributor, helping them reclaim their spot at the top of the Western Conference. His blend of scoring, defense, and leadership has provided the Warriors with a much-needed boost. Reflecting on his past choices, Butler emphasized that while Phoenix would have been a great fit, his journey to Golden State was the path that allowed him to flourish.
“I’m exactly where I need to be,” Butler concluded. “Sometimes, you look back and think, ‘What if?’ But I believe everything happens for a reason.”
While Jimmy Butler’s interest in the Suns may have sparked some speculation during the early days of his career, it’s clear that his decision to join the Warriors has worked out exceptionally well for both him and the team. As the Warriors continue their championship chase, Butler’s leadership and defensive intensity have played a pivotal role in their success.
