I Was Wrong About the Warriors’ Jimmy Butler Trade—And So Was Everyone Else

It only took five games for the Golden State Warriors and their newly acquired star, Jimmy Butler, to silence the doubters—including none other than ESPN’s own Stephen A. Smith. Just days after dismissing Butler’s impact, the ever-opinionated analyst had to eat his words on live television. And if Stephen A. can admit he was wrong, maybe it’s time the rest of us do the same.

Stephen A. Smith’s Dramatic U-Turn: A Rare Sight

The morning after the Warriors pulled off the blockbuster trade for Butler, Smith was quick to downplay it on First Take, refusing to call it a “mega-deal.” In typical Stephen A. fashion, he scoffed at the idea that Butler’s presence would transform Golden State into serious contenders.

Fast forward five games, and the tune has changed. On NBA Countdown, right before the Warriors took on the Mavericks, Smith awkwardly admitted:

“I think I was … I think I … I was wrong when I first spoke about this [trade].”

Host Malika Andrews, sensing the rare moment of humility, couldn’t resist poking fun. “Miracles do happen,” Smith joked, acknowledging how quickly Butler had proven his worth.

The Butler Effect: Why This Trade Was a Masterstroke

So, what exactly changed? How did Butler, a 34-year-old veteran, go from a supposed afterthought to an undeniable game-changer in less than a week?

1. Butler Gives Steph Curry the Break He’s Never Had

One of the biggest criticisms of the Warriors has been their over-reliance on Steph Curry. Every season, we hear the same story: Curry is expected to do too much, carry the offense, and still have enough energy to perform in the clutch. But Butler changes that dynamic completely.

Smith pointed this out himself:

“When you have a guy who can get to the free-throw line as frequently as Jimmy Butler … you’re giving [Curry] a break. You’re giving [Curry] a breather without him having to get off the court to sit on the bench.”

And he’s absolutely right. Butler’s ability to attack the basket and draw fouls slows the game down, allowing Curry to conserve energy while still remaining a threat. This isn’t just about Butler’s scoring—it’s about the ripple effect it has on the entire team.

2. The Warriors Finally Have a True Two-Way Star

Golden State has had its fair share of defensive warriors (pun intended) over the years—Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and even Andrew Wiggins in recent seasons. But Butler brings something different: an elite perimeter defender who can also take over a game offensively.

This is a guy who has single-handedly carried teams in the playoffs before. Remember the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals? The man dragged the Heat to the NBA Finals as an 8-seed! Now, he’s playing alongside one of the greatest shooters in history, and suddenly, defenses have an impossible choice:

• Do you smother Curry and let Butler eat inside?

• Or do you focus on Butler and leave the Splash Brothers open beyond the arc?

Either way, it’s a nightmare.

Butler’s Chemistry with the Warriors: Instant and Unexpected

One of the major concerns—raised by Smith and others—was whether Butler’s personality would clash with the Warriors’ system. He’s known for his intense, no-nonsense attitude, while Golden State has thrived on a looser, joy-driven culture.

Yet, here we are, just a handful of games in, and Butler already looks like he’s been playing in Steve Kerr’s system for years. The ball movement remains pristine, Curry is still getting his shots, and Butler has seamlessly fit into the team’s defensive schemes.

It turns out, when you add a high-IQ player who values winning above all else, things tend to work out.

Are the Warriors Now the Team to Beat?

Draymond Green certainly thinks so. During TNT’s All-Star Game pregame show, Green boldly declared that the Warriors will win the championship this season. Stephen A. isn’t quite ready to go that far, but even he can’t deny that Butler’s presence has changed everything.

The question now is: Can Golden State sustain this level of dominance?

1. Size Still Matters—And the Warriors Lack It

One thing Smith didn’t backtrack on was his concern over the Warriors’ lack of size. Even with Butler in the lineup, they still don’t have a true dominant big man. Against teams like Denver (hello, Nikola Jokić) or Minnesota (Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns), this could be an issue in a seven-game series.

2. Is This Just a Hot Start, or the Real Deal?

We’ve seen midseason trades look amazing in the short term before. Remember when Russell Westbrook joined the Clippers last year? That started well… until it didn’t.

The Warriors need to prove that this isn’t just a five-game flash in the pan. Butler has played with a chip on his shoulder his entire career, but can he stay healthy? And will the chemistry remain strong once adversity hits?

Final Verdict: Apology Accepted, Stephen A.

It’s rare to see Stephen A. Smith admit he was wrong. It’s even rarer to see a trade work this well, this fast. But here we are.

Jimmy Butler has given the Warriors something they desperately needed: a second offensive star who can create his own shot, a defensive menace who can guard elite wings, and most importantly, a leader who isn’t afraid of the moment.

Maybe Draymond Green is onto something. Maybe Golden State isn’t just back in the title race—they might actually be the team to beat.

And if they do win it all? You can bet Stephen A. will be the first one screaming, “I told y’all this was a great move!” on First Take—as if he wasn’t trashing the trade just days ago.