"Sometimes you get them right" - Warriors owner Joe Lacob admits he had concerns regarding acquiring Jimmy Butler

Yahoo

11-05-2025

Hindsight is always 20/20, and to say that the trade that brought six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors was a success would rank as one of the understatements of the year. Before the 6'7" veteran wingman joined the Warriors, the team looked like a rudderless ship needing another superstar to back resident ace Stephen Curry up.
Upon his arrival, it seemed like the heavens parted, and the players could hear angels singing. Butler's intensity, leadership, and all-around game were exactly what the Warriors needed to give them another shot at a title run.
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In an interview with The Athletic, team owner Joe Lacob admitted that he had doubts about making the trade. But ultimately, he trusted his gut and made the move that has placed the Warriors into championship contention this season.
Rolled the dice
The Warriors have longed to bring in another superstar who could help Steph carry the Dubs this season and the ones to come. After failing to lure All-Stars Paul George and Lauri Markkanen in the offseason, they tried to boost their offense by trading for Dennis Schroder in December. However, that didn't work either. When the trade deadline in early February arrived, the Warriors faced an uncertain future.
All that changed when the opportunity to acquire the former Marquette ace was placed on the table. Lacob, though, didn't pounce on the trade offer. He carefully considered the potential risks and benefits of bringing in a volatile star like Butler. On one hand, Butler's talent and competitive drive were undeniable. On the other hand, his history of clashing with coaches and teammates raised red flags.
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However, Lacob ultimately decided to roll the dice on Jimmy, believing that his positive impact on the court would outweigh any potential off-court issues. And so far, it seems he made the right choice.
"Sometimes you get them right. That's all I can say," Lacob stated. "There were (concerns about Butler). But you do your analysis, you make your choices, and, yeah, it was a little bit of a risk. But we've got to take risks in this life. And he's worth every freaking penny. That's all I can say. He's fantastic."
Related: Isiah Thomas recalls his college recruitment: "My mom closed the briefcase and said, 'My son's not for sale"
Turned things around
With the six-time All-Star donning the Warriors' jersey, the tides suddenly shifted. With Butler, the Warriors had a lethal midrange and post scorer, a player who could draw fouls and generate easy points from the free throw line, a smart passer and a formidable defender. The Dubs immediately went on a run and became the best team in the league in the second half of the season.
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After the Warriors eliminated the second-seeded Houston Rockets in the first round with "Playoff Jimmy" averaging 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, JB's production and leadership will be of utmost importance in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the superstar guard sidelined with a hamstring injury, the veteran wingman will have to step up, carry the load and lead the Warriors through the highs and lows of a playoff game.
"It was all about protecting the ball, and Jimmy is, I think, as good as anybody – any star in the game – at reading the game, understanding how to control the tempo and control the time and score, understanding everything that's happening, and putting the ball in his hands in a situation like that is pretty comforting," Golden State head coach Steve Kerr conveyed.
As the Bay Area squad heads to Game 2, Lacob, Kerr, and the rest of the franchise are hopeful Butler can continue to deliver and help lead the team through this turbulent time with Steph on the sidelines.
Related: "I'm a winner" - Steph Curry proudly declares what he is after sending the Rockets packing for the fifth time this decade