For more than a month, the feud between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat front office ruled the headlines. Amidst the suspensions and increasing tension and hostilities, there was a time when many dreaded it would never end. With the Golden State Warriors acquiring Butler in a trade, everyone in and around the Heat is breathing a sigh of relief. And Udonis Haslem, who had been silent through the turmoil, has finally opened up.
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UD, an invaluable member of the Heat, is considered a big brother by current and former players. So, seeing his franchise in turmoil must’ve been difficult for him. However, while the drama was unfolding within the organization, UD refrained from saying anything to avoid taking sides. The three-time NBA champion has given a telling one-line reaction now.
“My prayers have been answered,” journalist Zachary Weinberger reported Haslem as saying.
UD’s words show the kind of tension that had built up in Miami because of Butler.
They announced the news on ESPN that Jimmy Butler has been traded to the Golden State Warriors and Udonis Haslem said “my prayers have been answered.” #HeatNation
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 6, 2025
When the incidents were unfolding one after the other, Haslem never gave his take on who was right or wrong. When he was on NBA Today in January, he spoke on the importance of being all in for the team.
During Udonis Haslem's appearance on NBA Today this afternoon, he didn't want to comment on the Jimmy Butler situation.
But Haslem did say this: "I will say this, guys, there's one thing that we do say. You're either in or you're out and there's no in between. That's what I'm…
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) January 15, 2025
Udonis added that if someone can’t give their full commitment, they should not be a part of that team.
“I will say this, guys, there’s one thing that we do say. You’re either in or you’re out and there’s no in-between. That’s what I’m going to say and I’m going to leave it at that,” UD had said.
Besides feeling relieved that the turmoil is over, Haslem is also happy that the Heat has potentially gained on the roster front with the trade.
Haslem’s analysis of the Jimmy Butler trade
In a blockbuster trade involving multiple teams, the Warriors acquired Butler, who agreed to a new two-year, $121 million extension. In exchange, the Heat have received Andrew Wiggins, PJ Tucker, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick. Dennis Schroder has been sent to the Utah Jazz.
“I love it. I love it for both sides, but I love the fact that we get a backup point guard,” said UD about the trade.
“We lost Dru Smith a little earlier to injury [torn Achilles]. We get an athletic wing to put next to Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson,” he added.
UD added the Heat can use the championship experience Wiggins brings in. Also, Miami needed a veteran presence on the roster, which can be fulfilled by Anderson.
