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Joining a new team means a number change for Jimmy Butler.
Butler, who was traded from the Miami Heat to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, will wear No. 10 for his new squad, per NBA insider Chris Haynes. Butler’s former No. 22 would presumably be available since Andrew Wiggins was traded to the Heat as part of the deal, but perhaps he felt it was time for a change.
Butler wore No. 21 with the Chicago Bulls, No. 23 with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers and was No. 22 for six years in Miami. It will take fans some time to get used to seeing the six-time All-Star rocking both a Warriors jersey and his new number.
Butler hasn’t had the best year, albeit he’s played just 25 games. His scoring average is his lowest since the 2013-14 season at just 17 points per game and he’s adding 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
He was clearly not happy in Miami, though, and joining a new squad could be exactly what Butler needs to get back on track.
The Warriors seem to have confidence Butler can return to All-Star form, as they gave up a hefty haul for him. Golden State gave up Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Kyle Anderson, Lindsey Waters III and a protected first-round pick in the deal. Wiggins and Anderson are heading to Miami, Schröder will join the Utah Jazz and Waters is now with the Detroit Pistons.
Trading for an aging star like Butler might be a bit of a risk for the Warriors, but they needed to make a splash at the deadline to reroute their season. Golden State is currently in 10th place in the Western Conference at 25-24 but will soon look to surge behind a revamped roster.
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