Nobody actually expected Mike Dunleavy Jr. to pull the trigger. When the trade rumors started swirling around the 2025 deadline, the idea of Jimmy Butler in a Golden State Warriors jersey felt like a fever dream or a glitch in a 2K simulation. But here we are in 2026, and the "organized chaos" of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler has turned the Western Conference upside down.
If you look at the box scores from this week's win over the Knicks—where Jimmy dropped 32 and Steph shook off a cold start to finish with 27—it looks like standard superstar stuff. It isn’t. What’s happening in San Francisco right now is a complete rejection of how we thought the Warriors’ dynasty would die. Instead of a slow fade into the lottery, the arrival of Butler has acted like a shot of adrenaline to Steph Curry’s late-career prime.
Why the Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler Pairing Works
The initial skepticism made sense. Jimmy Butler is a "my way or the highway" personality who thrives on grit, mid-range isos, and drawing fouls. The Warriors are a "peace and love" movement-heavy offense that lives and dies by the three. On paper? A disaster. In reality? It's basically the perfect marriage.
Since February 8, 2025—Jimmy’s first game in the Bay—the Warriors' net rating has hovered near the top of the league. It's currently sitting at a staggering $+12.2$.
Steph used to have to run a marathon every single night just to get a clean look. Now? He has a secondary playmaker who doesn't just pass, but demands a double team. "Jimmy always talks about making the 'right play,'" Curry told reporters after a recent 15-point fourth-quarter outburst by Butler. "The right play was to score."
The Gravity Shift
Most people focus on Curry's gravity, but they forget that Jimmy has his own version. It’s a "heavy" gravity. He gets to the free-throw line—averaging six attempts per game since joining Golden State—which gives the Warriors' "old men" (Steph and Draymond) a chance to breathe.
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- Pace Control: Jimmy slows the game down when it gets too frantic.
- Defensive Relief: He takes the toughest wing assignment, letting Draymond Green roam as a free safety.
- The "Bonus" Factor: Butler gets the team into the bonus early, making every foul on Steph even more punishing.
Honestly, watching them play together feels like watching a chess master and a street brawler team up. One lures you into a trap; the other just hits you with a chair. It’s effective.
The Stats That Don't Make Sense
There was a Reddit thread recently that went viral, pointing out that Steph Curry’s True Shooting percentage jumped from roughly $59%$ to an absurd $70%$ in the weeks following the Butler trade. That's not just a "honeymoon phase" bump. That is a "I am finally wide open" bump.
When Butler is on the floor, the defense has to make a choice. Do you stay home on the greatest shooter in history, or do you stop the 6'7" freight train barreling toward the rim? If you help on Jimmy, Steph gets a relocated three. If you stay on Steph, Jimmy gets a layup or a trip to the line.
It’s a nightmare.
Dealing With the Noise: The Kuminga Situation
It hasn't been all sunshine and wine-tasting sessions. Just this week, Jonathan Kuminga officially requested a trade. It’s a messy situation. Kuminga is 23, talented, and essentially lost his spot in the closing lineup because the veterans—Curry, Green, and Butler—are clicking so well.
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When asked if this was a distraction, Steph was blunt. "You've been around for the last three, four years," he said. "We've done it this whole time."
He’s right. This core is battle-hardened. They’ve dealt with the Draymond suspensions, the Klay departure, and now the Kuminga trade demand. But having Jimmy there adds a different level of locker room "swagger." He isn't afraid to be the bad guy, which allows Steph to remain the "affable superstar."
A Tale of Two Upbringings
The chemistry is even weirder when you look at their backgrounds. You've got Steph, the son of NBA royalty who grew up in a stable, affluent home. Then you've got Jimmy, who was homeless at 13 and fought for every inch of his career.
Yet, they both share this weird "underdog" complex. Steph still remembers being the scrawny kid from Davidson. Jimmy still remembers being the last pick of the first round. That shared chip on their shoulder is what’s fueling this 2026 run.
What This Means for Your NBA Betting and Fantasy Picks
If you’re tracking Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler for your fantasy league or just trying to understand the betting lines, there are a few specific things to watch.
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First, look at the "over" on Steph’s assists when playing with Butler. Because Jimmy is such an elite cutter, Steph is finding him for easy buckets more often than he ever did with previous wings.
Second, pay attention to the Warriors' performance on the second night of back-to-backs. In the past, they’d often punt these games. With Jimmy’s ability to "win ugly" by drawing fouls and slowing the pace, they are much more competitive when the shots aren't falling.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the "Relocation" Three: Notice how Steph passes to Jimmy in the post and immediately sprints to the corner. It’s the most dangerous play in basketball right now.
- Monitor the Kuminga Trade: If the Warriors flip Kuminga for another veteran "3-and-D" piece, their title odds are going to skyrocket.
- Don't Ignore Moses Moody: He’s been the biggest beneficiary of the space created by the star duo, often finding himself wide open when defenses over-rotate to Butler.
The "Golden State Heat" experiment is no longer an experiment. It’s a reality. Whether they can actually win a ring together remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: nobody wants to see the Warriors in a seven-game series anymore.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the Warriors' defensive rotations in the next few games against Charlotte and Houston. The way Butler and Green communicate on switches is a masterclass in defensive IQ that will likely be the deciding factor in the postseason.