Wade Sounds Off: Dwyane Wade Blasts Jimmy Butler for Vanishing Act in Playoff Loss to Timberwolves
NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade didn’t hold back in his latest comments on Jimmy Butler’s underwhelming playoff performance, calling out the Miami Heat star for a lack of aggression reminiscent of past postseason letdowns.
During an episode of his podcast Timeout with Dwyane Wade, the three-time NBA champion took aim at Butler’s tentative play in the Golden State Warriors’ series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler, who was acquired by Golden State in a blockbuster midseason deal, failed to meet expectations in crucial moments—something Wade found frustratingly familiar.
“He wouldn’t look at the basket,” Wade said. “And I’ve seen this before. I’ve seen it in a Heat jersey… in another Finals too against the Denver Nuggets, and he did the exact same thing.”
In Game 4, Butler attempted just nine shots, managing 14 points, and followed that with an 11-shot, 17-point effort in Game 5 as the Warriors were eliminated. Wade, who has long been considered a mentor figure to Butler, didn’t mince words about the forward’s passive approach.
“Jimmy Butler is too good of a basketball player to not have his imprint on the game,” Wade continued. “Getting too close in the paint and not putting that ball up—that’s bad offense when your team needs you to step up.”
The criticism stings all the more because it comes from someone who once shared the same jersey and championship ambition. Wade’s remarks underscore growing frustration among fans and analysts over Butler’s tendency to disappear in critical games—particularly when his team leans on him most.
As Golden State begins its offseason evaluations, Wade’s blunt assessment adds to the narrative that Jimmy Butler’s postseason legacy may be as much about missed opportunities as it is about memorable performances.
