Since Jimmy Butler's arrival to the Golden State Warriors prior to last month's trade deadline, the veteran forward has almost wholly transformed the team on both ends of the floor.
The threat he poses to opposing defenses in his ability to powerfully drive to the rim has opened up the Warriors' congested offense, and his ability to draw contact has brought the franchise from among the worst free-throw shooting teams in the league to among the best.
In addition, his continued intensity has aided Defensive Player of the Year contender Draymond Green in anchoring Golden State's defense, helping the team to remain among the best units in the NBA on that end of the floor.
Now as Butler approaches his return to Miami -- where he spent the best part of six seasons -- his recent comments have shown his commitment to, and focus on winning with his new franchise.
Jimmy Butler blocks out the noise in anticipation of Miami return
The Warriors, after searching for a suitable trade partner to bolster their roster this season, were ultimately able to land Butler because of the troubles he had with Miami Heat ownership and management regarding a possible contract extension.
By the end of his tenure, which was characterized by much internal strife and multiple team-induced suspensions, Butler certainly needed a fresh start -- something Golden State quickly gave him with a two-year $111 million contract extension.
The Warriors are now 16-3 with Butler in the lineup and are in possession of the sixth-seed in the Western Conference. However, they're just clinging onto that spot ahead of the L.A Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves, meaning Butler is solely focused on extending the team's hot stretch through the end of the season.
"Yeah, I was traded from there, yada, yada, yada. But that's so far behind me now. I don't even think about it. I don't pay attention to nothing except for the trajectory of this squad," Butler said on Saturday ahead of his much-anticipated Miami return on Tuesday.
Butler has done everything the team has needed so far in order to be successful, having averaged 17.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists as a member of Golden State.
While it has been made evident from his performance with the Warriors, Butler's comments and apparent focus are great signs for the team. The end of Butler's contract coincides with the expiration of both Stephen Curry's and Draymond Green's deals, and Butler very well could be part of the final championship hopes of this era of Golden State history.
While all eyes will be on Butler as the Warriors take on the Heat on Tuesday night -- especially with the team being in the thick of the playoff hunt -- it is clear that Butler will continue to do whatever it takes to push this team to the next level.