Last playoffs, Jimmy Butler dealt the Knicks a blow, but this year, sidelined by an MCL injury, he missed the chance to repeat that feat in the first round.
Recently, the Miami standout made waves with pointed remarks about the Knicks, particularly targeting Josh Hart and head coach Tom Thibodeau in a video circulating on social media from Rock The Bells.
“If I was playing, Boston would be at home,” Butler asserted. “New York damn sure would be f**king at home.”
In the video, the interviewer also mentioned Josh Hart, to which Butler responded, “F**k that mean to me? Josh Hart? C’mon man. I love Thibs, but I don’t want Thibs. Thibs, I love you baby, but I want to beat you to a pulp. You want me. I don’t want you. It’s like a one-sided relationship. You in love with me and I love you but I’m not in love with you, you know what I’m saying?”
Butler and Thibodeau shared a history from their time together with the Bulls and the Timberwolves, showcasing continued mutual respect despite their parting after the 2018-19 season.
Following Butler’s remarks, Thibodeau, when questioned about Butler in a media call, sported a wide smile, quipping, “I don’t know him. But I’ll beat him to a pulp.”
In Butler’s absence, the Heat succumbed to the Celtics in five games during the first round.
Despite being Miami’s leading scorer, questions loom about Butler’s future, with “loud whispers” hinting at doubts due to his “declining play and constant absences,” as reported by The Athletic’s John Hollinger.