Jimmy Butler makes his highly anticipated return to Kaseya Center as the Golden State Warriors visit the Miami Heat. After a lengthy feud, Butler was traded from Miami, significantly impacting both teams. The Warriors, sporting a strong 16-4 record since Butler's arrival, are in playoff contention, while the Heat ended a dismal 10-game losing streak but ahve struggled since the trade, posting a 4-17 record. The game highlights shifting fortunes in the NBA, with Butler quickly finding success alongside Curry and Green.
Butler was traded from Miami on Feb. 5 in a five-team deal that ended a bitter feud between the six-time NBA All-Star and the team he led to two NBA Finals appearances.
The Warriors have vastly improved with Butler, going 16-4 since his arrival and remaining in playoff contention within a tough Western Conference.
As for Miami, its win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday stopped a 10-game skid in a season that will likely be remembered for Butler's prolonged standoff with Heat general manager Pat Riley.
The team is just 4-17 since trading away Butler but is likely to reach the postseason as an Eastern Conference play-in team.
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