Golden State Warriors Superstar Draymond Green pays tribute to the organization for the investment the team has made at trade deadlines.
Draymond Green was immediately fascinated by the Golden State Warriors’ decision to trade for Jimmy Butler at the deadline.
Green quickly declared that the Warriors would follow and win the championship.
Butler did just that, helping the Warriors land the playoff spot in the end, and now the team is on the course to take a 3-1 series lead with the Houston Rocket and reach the Western Conference semi-finals.
Jimmy Butler suffered an injury to the Rockets in Game 2 for the Warriors. He returned to Game 4 with a big impact, scoring 27 points to lead the team, adding five rebounds and six assists.
At a post-game press conference, Draymond Greene was excitedly talking about what Butler brings to the team, thanking the ownership and the front office for his commitment to the superstar.
Green said: “His presence, number one is huge. I’ve spoken about it over and over again, just the commitment our ownership group and front office have made to Jimmy, not just Jimmy, but to Steph, me and Steve.
“We have been here for many years and still feel like we have a chance, but it’s not there, we need a little boost.
“Our ownership group has made a $220 million commitment for two years to get that increase.”
Green’s comments remind us that Butler wasn’t cheap. Charles Berkley feels that money is the motivation behind him wanting to leave Miami.
Whatever the reason for Butler, Golden State made the decision through one lens. They wanted to win.
Green added: “Tonight was great. He played through injuries. Beautiful. But it’s his presence. What his presence does for this team is enormous.
Jimmy Butler maintained a fierce fall during Game 2 and saw him leave the game soon. He underwent an MRI scan showing no serious damage.
Former NBA star Paul Pierce warned that Butler would not be the same when he returned, and speaking after Game 4, Steve Kerr admitted that if this was the regular season, he would have kept Butler on the sidelines for two weeks.
Butler wanted to play, but even the pain was clearly able to have a big impact.
Draymond Greene referenced the way Butler fights and uses through his intelligence for the benefit of the team.
“In the first three quarters he couldn’t move. I don’t know how he started moving in the fourth quarter, but the first three quarters couldn’t move. I haven’t complained yet.
“Most importantly, when time was right, everyone on our side tried to get him the ball. When you got him the ball, he made great things happen for himself or for others. It was huge.”