Draymond Green Blasts Jimmy Butler Critics After Recent Heat Trade

The Miami Heat traded Haywood Highsmith and a 2032 second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for a protected 2026 second-round pick.

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green reacted strongly to the trade on social media. He posted on Instagram with the caption "Look at what you've done Jimbo" and later criticized Miami Heat fans on Threads. Green specifically mocked fans who had previously suggested Jimmy Butler should come off the bench behind Highsmith, stating: "Yall (internet experts) wanted Jimmy [Butler] to come off the bench behind dude, and 5 months later the Heat traded him for a bag of chips. That’s wild."

The article provides statistics comparing the players: Last season, Highsmith averaged 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists for the Heat, with a season-high 19 points. In contrast, Jimmy Butler averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in 25 games before his trade to the Warriors. The Warriors significantly improved after acquiring Butler, becoming a top Western Conference team.

The piece argues that while the 28-year-old Highsmith has development potential, there's no scenario where he should start over the impactful Jimmy Butler. It also mentions the Golden State Warriors' ongoing contract stalemate with young forward Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors are reportedly considering two paths: keeping Kuminga while adding Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton, or trading Kuminga (potentially to the Sacramento Kings) and making other moves. The article suggests the Warriors need to play Kuminga consistently for proper development given his young age and promise.