Jimmy Butler said he's "happy to be playing basketball again" in his introductory press conference with the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. He was emphatic about his singular focus of winning a championship while downplaying the idea that the Warriors were not his preferred destination after all reporting had indicated Butler preferred joining the Phoenix Suns as he angled for an exit from the Miami Heat.

Wednesday's trade might have been a backup plan for both parties, and an expensive one. But Golden State thinks the risk could work.

At long last, the Jimmy Butler saga ended Wednesday night. The six-time All-Star was traded to the Warriors and agreed to a two-year, $121 million extension, receiving the payday he could not secure in Miami.