Basketball Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr. didn't mince words when discussing Jimmy Butler's recent trade to the Golden State Warriors. He criticized Butler's behavior during the process, calling him a "crybaby" for how he handled the Miami Heat's initial refusal to trade him.
Hardaway, a Warriors legend himself, expressed his disapproval during a SiriusXM NBA Radio interview. He emphasized Butler's contractual obligations, stating, "I didn’t agree with what he was doing — you’re under contract." He added, "[Butler’s] a baby. [He’s] a crybaby because they said no to you."
The situation began in December when reports surfaced of Butler's desire to leave Miami. Heat president Pat Riley initially dismissed these rumors, stating the team wouldn't trade him. However, Butler's subsequent actions, including walking out of practice and missing a team flight, were deemed "conduct detrimental to the team" and led to suspensions.
Hardaway contrasted this with his own playing days: "We used to get said ‘no’ to us all the time, and we used to know how to take it. It is what it is… You might not like the question, but you can’t deviate and mess up the team.”
While acknowledging that trade requests aren't uncommon in the NBA – citing James Harden and Kawhi Leonard as recent examples – Hardaway highlighted Butler's approach as particularly unprofessional. He believes Butler's actions went beyond a simple trade request and disrupted the team dynamic.
Since joining the Warriors, Butler has averaged 21.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in four games, helping the team secure three victories.
