Dwyane Wade Calls Out Jimmy Butler’s Struggles

Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade has expressed his disappointment with Jimmy Butler III’s lackluster performance during the Golden State Warriors' recent playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the team missing its star, Stephen Curry, Butler was expected to step up but failed to deliver.

Defensive Discontent

During the pivotal Game 5 loss on May 14, the spotlight fell on brand-new scorers, notably Brandin Podziemski, while Butler's contributions dwindled. Wade didn't hold back his feelings, stating, "I didn't like the way he just approached the game." He acknowledged Butler as a player who often prioritizes his teammates, but added, "At a certain point, you’re making $60 million. This ain’t working. You gotta go!"

Lack of Aggression Raises Eyebrows

Wade, who has seen Butler's potential firsthand during their time in Miami, emphasized that Butler's hesitance to shoot is a significant issue. "When it's time for you to take over, you just have to," Wade asserted. He criticized Butler for not taking offensive initiative, saying, "Getting too close in that paint, and not putting that ball up to that basket, that's bad offense."

Questions Loom Over Future Contracts

Wade even hinted that Heat president Pat Riley's decision to decline Butler an extension could stem from his inconsistent playoff performances. "It's not always because of injury," Wade commented, stressing the need to assess a player's performance in critical moments. "Sometimes I need to see what you going to do in every moment, not just in one moment."

Warriors’ Hope for Butler

With Curry sidelined due to a groin strain during the critical phase of the playoffs, Butler was seen as the warrior to carry the load. While he managed to score 33 points in a Game 3 loss, he fell flat in subsequent games, scoring 17 points or fewer as the Warriors were eliminated.

Looking Ahead: Butler’s Contract Pressure

As Butler prepares for the two-year, $111 million deal that kicks in for the 2025-26 season, the pressure is on for him to step up if the Warriors hope to advance deeper in the playoffs next year alongside stars Curry and Draymond Green.