Everybody thought Damian Lillard would join the Miami Heat based on his much-publicized interest in joining the Florida organization. Even Heat's star player Jimmy Butler was invested in its chances of happening.
Alas, the trade did not happen. Dame instead joined Heat's East rivals, Milwaukee Bucks.
What does Jimmy think of this development? The very outspoken Heat leader said he is happy for his friend, though there is one thing he is not fully happy about.
"No no no no, not at all. I'm happy for both of those guys," Butler said during Media Day.
"I'm more pissed off that [Damian Lillard] went to Milwaukee because he went to Adrian Griffin's team. Everybody knows I don't like Adrian Griffin at all since my Chicago days."
"But I'm happy for Milwaukee. They got better. It gives us the opportunity to be better."
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Butler has been a media darling since he joined the Miami Heat with his quotable quotes and guarantees that sometimes don't turn into reality.
He is also known for making jokes, like the recently-held Media Day for the 2023 NBA season, when he arrived at the venue sporting an emo look to show his emotional state following the news of Dame's trade to the Bucks.
Butler and Griffin go way back
Butler spent his first six seasons with the Chicago Bulls, with Adrian Griffin among the assistant coaches.
He joined the league as a 30th overall pick but quickly rose to an All-Star level despite his low draft ranking.
Previously, he spoke glowingly of Griffin, with whom he spent four seasons. Griffin is regarded as one of the top developmental coaches in the league.
He said the Bucks coach has much to do with who he is today.
"All my coaches had a lot to do with it," Butler said in 2016. "But I think Adrian Griffin had a lot because he had to deal with me just being unbearable. I think he has a lot to do with who I am."
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