Jimmy Butler Once Claimed Meeting Michael Jordan Doesn’t Awe Him Any More: “He Came Up and Was Talking to Me on a First Name Basis”

Jimmy Butler, who was formerly with the Jordan sneaker brand, revealed that Michael Jordan and he were on a first-name basis. Specifically, he was talking about being at Jordan’s birthday parties, and how that has become very normal for him.

“It’s not just like a hello and you keep on moving, it’s like a hello and we got a 30, 40 minute conversation and then you’re just sitting down to dinner.”

Golf – The 2020 Ryder Cup – Whistling Straits, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. – September 25, 2021 Michael Jordan watches the action by the 11th green during the Four-balls REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Butler spoke about how Michael Jordan was his idol growing up. In fact, the reason behind him signing with the Jordan brand in the 2014-15 season was that Jordan was his hero. He left Adidas for a deal which would pay him 75 percent less to join the Jordan family.

Butler used to be extremely loyal to the Jordan brand, refusing to even wear Nike shoes. However, when asked about the reason behind him changing this rule of only wearing Jordans, he answered, “Me and Jordan aren’t in a good space right now.” 

Apr 8, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) directs a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Although, that was in all probability one of Jimmy’s famous sarcastic comments, little did he know at the time that he and the Jordan brand will part ways one day.

After parting ways with Michael Jordan, what was next?

Eventually, Butler and Jordan mutually decided to end their business relationship at the start of 2020. Interestingly, this was 10 months prior to the contract’s originally stipulated date. Post this split, Butler became the highest-profile sneaker-free agent in the market, but not for long.

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Dwyane Wade, a former NBA Finals MVP award winner for the Heat, had launched his own brand, ‘Way of Wade’ with the Chinese giant, Li-Ning. Li-Ning then roped in Jimmy Butler for a multi-year deal along with the likes of D’Angelo Russell and CJ McCollum. Moreover, as Butler had said that Wade helped him with advice on how to go about his career in Miami, it is safe to say that Wade probably advised him on the deal with Li-Ning as well.

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES – NOVEMBER 8: Dwyane Wade (L) and Jimmy Butler (R) during a NBA game between Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States on November 8, 2016.
(Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Butler has been the second coming of Wade for the Heat fans, they got their only Finals appearance after the Wade era with Butler at the helm in 2020. After 10 long years, Butler gave hope to the Heat fans and is already walking in Wade’s footsteps.

Watch this next: “Gift From the GOAT”: Fans React as LeBron James Gifts Luxury SUV to his Mother on Her Birthday

Will the Heat make it to the finals again this time? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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