Warriors rookie Alex Toohey received his first true introduction to Jimmy Butler in a setting far away from the court. Touring Butler’s home in San Diego, he saw what life looks like for a veteran who has mastered both the grind of the NBA and the rewards it can bring.
“I realized you can do a lot with some money,” Toohey laughed at Media Day.
Butler had gathered his new teammates for a few days before training camp officially began. Basketball was on the schedule, but it wasn’t the only priority. The greater purpose was building the trust and connection of a group that will spend most of the year together in pursuit of a championship.
Entering his fifteenth season, Butler understands that the secret to winning goes deeper than practice drills and film sessions. He wanted his teammates to feel at home with each other. There was wine, storytelling, and plenty of laughter—exactly what you’d expect from family.
Since his trade to Golden State last February, Butler has spoken about rediscovering his joy for the game. He made sure that the offseason included time to bond with the roster, even as his schedule took him across the globe. This gathering, though, was personal. Hosting everyone in his own house was Butler’s way of showing commitment before his first full campaign with the Warriors.
“It was important to open my doors to the guys, like they’re my family,” Butler explained. “I wanted them to see a part of my life. I’ve had time with teammates before, but never in this way.”
For the Warriors, Butler’s arrival last season was a turning point. The team was sitting at 25–26 before his debut on February 10. That night, against his original Chicago Bulls, Golden State stormed back from 21 points down for a win, with Butler scoring 25 points and adding four assists. From then on, the Warriors went 23–8 in the regular season with him in uniform, losing only the single game he missed.
Two separate five-game win streaks and one stretch of seven straight victories showed what was possible, even as everyone was still learning on the fly. With Butler, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green all healthy, the Warriors saw themselves as a legitimate threat if not for Curry’s late injury.
This year feels different. The group now has the chance to build chemistry from the very first day.
“You can create an identity when you start together,” Green said. “From defensive language to the little habits, all of it comes out of training camp.”
Last season began with turbulence for Butler in Miami, where clashes with the Heat ultimately forced an exit. The change of scenery has given him a new outlook.
Curry noted that Butler already feels grounded: “Knowing what the situation is, how we do things, and how he can help it makes the conversations smoother. Last year everything was compressed after the trade. Now we have the full picture.”
Butler’s Media Day presence was confident and relaxed. The diamond earrings and rings sparkled, but what stood out more was his calm smile. He is under contract for two more years at $111 million, committed alongside Curry and Green to chase another championship banner.
The road won’t be easy. Oklahoma City’s young core looks dangerous, Anthony Edwards has the Timberwolves rising, Durant has reshaped Houston, and Jokić’s Nuggets remain relentless. Still, Golden State believes their blend of experience and new energy is ready to compete with anyone.
“We know what we’re capable of,” Butler said. “Nobody is going to overlook us. We’re ready.”
