Golden State Warriors fans are still reeling from a rollercoaster 2024-25 season, but Stephen Curry’s recent four-word answer—“Right now, Jimmy Butler”—has sparked a wave of excitement. When asked at the 2025 Memorial Tournament celebrity Pro-Am who he’d trust to take a game-winning shot, Curry’s swift endorsement of his new teammate, Jimmy Butler, sent a clear message: the Warriors’ blockbuster trade for Butler was worth it. After a season that saw the Warriors surge to a 23-8 record post-trade but falter in the playoffs without Curry, this moment reignites hope for a championship run in 2025-26. Let’s dive into why Curry’s words matter, how Butler transformed the Warriors, and what this duo could mean for Golden State’s future.
The Golden State Warriors’ 2024-25 season was a tale of two halves. After a sluggish start, the team made a seismic move at the trade deadline, acquiring six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. The trade paid immediate dividends, as the Warriors went 23-8 after Butler’s arrival, securing the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference with a 47-35 record. Butler, known for his clutch performances and defensive tenacity, brought a new edge to Golden State, complementing the Splash Brothers—Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson—and Draymond Green’s playmaking. His ability to create his own shot, lock down opponents, and elevate in high-stakes moments addressed key weaknesses in the Warriors’ roster, particularly as their core aged.
Butler’s impact was undeniable. Averaging 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the 2024-25 regular season, he thrived as a secondary scoring option alongside Curry, who led the team with 26.4 points per game. Butler’s playoff heroics, dubbed “Playoff Jimmy,” were expected to carry Golden State deep into the postseason. However, fate had other plans. A hamstring injury sidelined Curry for the second round, and the Warriors fell 4-1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Without Curry’s gravity-defying shooting, Golden State struggled to match Minnesota’s physicality, despite Butler’s valiant 25.6 points per game in the series. Fans were left wondering: what could have been if Curry had been healthy?
Curry’s four-word answer at the Memorial Tournament—“Right now, Jimmy Butler”—is more than a soundbite. It’s a testament to Butler’s impact and a signal of confidence in their partnership. When asked who he’d trust to take a game-winning shot in NBA history, Curry’s immediate choice of Butler over legends like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant underscores the 34-year-old’s clutch pedigree. Butler’s career is littered with iconic moments, from his 40-point triple-double in the 2020 NBA Finals to his 35-point masterclass in Game 7 against the Celtics in 2022. His 47.9% field goal percentage in clutch situations (last five minutes, score within five points) ranks among the league’s best, making him a perfect complement to Curry’s off-ball wizardry.
The context of Curry’s response adds depth. Visibly annoyed at being ambushed by a reporter during a golf event, Curry’s quick, decisive answer suggests genuine belief in Butler, not just a diplomatic nod. This endorsement carries weight for Warriors fans, who have debated the trade’s long-term cost—likely involving young assets like Jonathan Kuminga or draft picks. Butler, at 35, is no spring chicken, and his $48.8 million contract through 2025-26 raises questions about durability. Yet, Curry’s faith in him signals that the Warriors are all-in for another title run, prioritizing win-now moves over a youth-driven rebuild. With Curry (37), Thompson (35), and Green (35) nearing the end of their primes, Butler’s arrival maximizes their championship window.
What does this mean for the Warriors’ future? First, it solidifies Butler as a cornerstone alongside Curry. Their on-court chemistry—Curry’s shooting stretching defenses, Butler’s mid-range game and playmaking exploiting gaps—creates a nightmare for opponents. Off the court, Butler’s relentless work ethic aligns with Curry’s leadership, fostering a culture of accountability. Second, it puts pressure on coach Steve Kerr to optimize the roster’s commitment. The Warriors’ playoff loss exposed depth issues, particularly in the frontcourt, where Kevon Looney and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis struggled against Minnesota’s size. The offseason offers a chance to add a rim-protecting big or a versatile wing, possibly using the mid-level exception or trading players like Andrew Wiggins.
For fans, Curry’s words are a rallying cry. The Warriors’ dynasty, built on four championships from 2015 to 2022, has faced skepticism as Curry’s core peers age and new powers like Denver and Minnesota rise. Butler’s addition, paired with Curry’s confidence, rekindles belief that Golden State can reclaim its throne. However, challenges loom. Curry’s injury history, including the hamstring issue, raises concerns about his availability. Butler_piece’s physical playing style also carries risks, and the Western Conference is stacked with contenders like the Nuggets, Thunder, and Mavericks. The Warriors’ $175 million payroll, among the NBA’s highest, limits flexibility under the luxury tax, making every move critical.
The broader NBA landscape adds intrigue. Butler’s trade from Miami, where he led the Heat to two Finals appearances, was a gamble for both sides. Miami pivoted to youth, while Golden State doubled down on veterans. Curry’s choice of Butler over younger stars like Devin Booker or Jayson Tatum suggests a focus on proven performers, but it also highlights the urgency to win now. They’re No. The Warriors’ No. 14 pick in the Warriors’ draft could be used to add depth, but perhaps even trading it for a win-now piece aligns with their current strategy. As the offseason unfolds, general manager Mike Dun will face the task of balancing immediate contention with long-term sustainability.
For fans, this moment is a reminder of Curry’s greatness—not just as a player—but also his brilliance as a leader who elevates those around him. But his trust in Butler signals a shared vision for one last championship run. Whether they can overcome injuries, roster limitations, or fierce competition will remains to be seen, but Curry’s four words have sparked lit a spark in Dub Nation.
Stephen Curry’s declaration—“Right now”—is a game-changer for Warriors fans. It affirms Butler’s confidence in his transformative impact, reignites hope for a fifth championship, and underscores his confidence in his partnership with Curry’s belief in their partnership. Despite the a playoff setback and looming challenges ahead, the Curry-Bum duo offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s possible in basketball 2025-26. As the Warriors gear up for a critical summer offseason, they’re poised for dreaming another of another title run, fueled by Curry’s brilliance and Butler’s relentless playoff grit. Will this dynamic duo deliver the goods, or will is the Western Conference prove too tough to conquer? One thing is certain: Dub Nation is ready to ride or die with Steph and Jimmy. Let’s go Warriors!