$110 Million Over Two Years—Butler Was Worth Every Penny

The Warriors Are Back—And Jimmy Butler Is a Big Reason Why

The Golden State Warriors are suddenly surging. After a rough start to the season, they’ve turned things around in dramatic fashion, winning 10 of their last 11 games. They now sit at 37-28, holding onto the sixth seed in the West, and with Jonathan Kuminga set to return, they might get even better.

At the heart of this transformation? Jimmy Butler.

Yes, that Jimmy Butler.

The same player that some people doubted when the Warriors traded for him and gave him a two-year, $110 million extension.

Too expensive? Maybe. But after watching how much he has elevated this team, there’s only one way to describe that contract:

Worth. Every. Penny.

Butler’s Impact: Numbers Don’t Lie

Since joining Golden State, Butler has played 13 games, averaging:

• 31.8 minutes
• 17.6 points
• 5.7 rebounds
• 5.7 assists
• 1.3 steals
• 45.6% FG / 20.0% 3PT / 88.0% FT
• 59.3% true shooting

His impact? Undeniable.

With Butler on the court, the Warriors allow just 102.2 points per 100 possessions, while outscoring opponents by 14.4 points per 100.

Without him? They give up 113.3 points per 100 possessions, and their net rating drops to +8.3.

The Warriors have gone 12-2 since his arrival. And in their last 11 games, they’re 10-1—with their only loss coming in the game Butler didn’t play.

Coincidence? Not a chance.

A True Two-Way Leader

1. He Doesn’t Care About Stats—He Just Wants to Win

Some stars hunt for numbers. Butler isn’t one of them.

• In this game against Portland? 15 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists—his first triple-double as a Warrior.
• The game before, against Detroit? 26 points, including 15 in the third quarter.
• Against the Knicks? 19 points, 14 of them in the second half.

He scores when needed, facilitates when the offense needs a boost, and locks in defensively when the game is on the line.

Whatever Steve Kerr asks him to do, Butler does it—without hesitation.

2. Elite Defense and Game-Changing Intensity

If you ask Kerr, one of the biggest differences since Butler arrived is on defense.

The Warriors’ most-used lineup over the past month—Butler, Curry, Green, Moody, and Podziemski—has a defensive rating of 93.1 and outscores opponents by 21.9 points per 100 possessions.

That is elite defense, fueled by Butler’s relentless energy, quick hands, and unmatched anticipation.

Few players in the NBA are as disruptive defensively as Butler. His quick reflexes, fast breaks, and ability to read the game make him a nightmare for opponents.

And perhaps most importantly? He has brought back the Warriors’ championship mindset.

The $110 Million Debate—Over Before It Even Started

At first, some critics thought the two-year, $110 million extension was an overpay.

Now? Nobody is questioning it.

• “Too expensive?” Well, what’s the price of maximizing Steph Curry’s championship window?
• “Too risky?” Not when Butler is single-handedly changing the Warriors’ identity.
• “Too short-term?” The Warriors don’t need a five-year plan—they need to win now.

And Butler is doing exactly what they brought him in to do.

The Warriors' Future: How High Can They Go?

Golden State has climbed to fifth in the NBA’s latest power rankings—their highest spot since their 12-3 start.

With Kuminga’s return, the Warriors could become even more dangerous.

They’re already looking like a team no one wants to face in the playoffs.

And Butler? He’s proving that $110 million wasn’t just a fair price—it might have been a bargain.