Damian Lillard’s trade to the Milwaukee Bucks might have left Portland Trail Blazers fans dejected. However, in Jimmy Butler, there is another figure who will be fuming even more. The $45,640,084 worth asset (Spotrac) that is Damian Lillard, was initially expected to play for the Miami Heat. In typical fashion however, Butler responded to the trade by claiming that he was going to beat the Milwaukee Bucks on his way to a title in the coming season, according to a video by Clutchpoints.
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The Miami Heat were for weeks the strongest contenders in the race for Damian Lillard. However, with the Heat failing to meet the Trail Blazers’ demand, the race opened up for multiple other teams. The Bucks ended up the winners, although they had to lose Jrue Holiday in the 3-team deal.
Jimmy Butler sports new haircut, sends warning to the Milwaukee Bucks
Butler showed up to the interview with longer, straight hair, describing the look as the start of his “emo-phase.” The Miami Heat superstar claimed that the last week had been a bit of a roller coaster for him.
Butler was initially excited but was left dejected with how things ended up with respect to Damian Lillard. The 34-year-old went on to give a piercing warning, stating that he was going to beat the Bucks on his way to the NBA title:
“I don’t tell anybody how I feel. I just handle it accordingly… I am happy for Damian Lillard… To be somewhere he is wanted, where he has a chance to win the championship I am also happy for Adrian Griffin because to be in the first year and have some of the guys you have. I am still going to be me. I’m gonna go beat Dame [Damian Lillard], Giannis [Antetokounmpo], and Adrian Griffin on our way to a title. I mean it every year, just the emotions. We are gonna use that, and we are gonna go get it done.”
“I don’t tell anybody how I feel. I just handle it accordingly… I am happy for Damian Lillard… I’m gonna go beat Dame, Giannis, and Adrian Griffin on our way to a title.”
Jimmy Butler discusses Dame heading to the Bucks 🗣
(via @NBATV)pic.twitter.com/BKgGIBOG1V
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 2, 2023
One of the biggest competitors in the NBA currently, Jimmy Butler’s drive and determination is second to none. However, the Miami Heat will have stern competition in the Eastern Conference alone. Along with a new-look Bucks, the Boston Celtics have also comprehensively strengthened with moves for Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Still, this is exactly the kind of situation that tends to bring out the best in Jimmy Butler.
Butler accused the Milwaukee Bucks of tampering after Lillard trade
Butler was left visibly aghast when he heard the news about Lillard’s trade. After expecting the point guard to join Heat all summer, he ended up responding in anger when it did not happen.
Butler went as far as accusing the Bucks of tampering in an Instagram video. The NBA’s rules state that no franchise employee can directly speak to players on rival teams in order to lure them.
That, in itself, was a far-fetched accusation, which Butler claimed he had heard from another source. Butler’s response and his appeal to the NBA to investigate the matter looks to be an emotional response to a move that he thought was going to work out for his team.
