The rest of the NBA likely shielded its eyes.
They had to know that when the Golden State Warriors acquired a player with the pedigree of Jimmy Butler, there'd be consequences to pay for everyone else.
That's been the case so far, as Butler has joined forces with Stephen Curry to become one of the league's most dangerous teams as the playoffs get rolling in full force this week.
For the Miami Heat, there may not have been much choice, but it's still been a tough outcome all told. They're in rough waters against the 1-seed Cleveland Cavaliers while watching Butler shine in the Western Conference.
Why did Heat trade Jimmy Butler to Warriors?
In short, Jimmy Butler wanted out of Miami.
His relationship with the Heat had frayed, and he wasn't getting a contract extension offer he felt he might have deserved.
Miami eventually suspended Butler multiple times before finding a trade suitor.
It was a tough ending for Butler with the Heat after he led them to two appearances in the NBA Finals.
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Why did Warriors trade for Jimmy Butler?
This one is simple: Butler is still one of the planet's best players, especially in the playoffs as his Playoff Jimmy mode takes over.
There was likely a bit of concern over Butler's antics, but Golden State had to feel that Steve Kerr, Curry and Draymond Green could get through to Butler in the pursuit of a championship.
The Warriors had struggled to find another star next to Curry, but Butler was it. They threw in a two-year extension to keep everyone happy.
What is Warriors' record with Jimmy Butler?
The Warriors got 30 games with Butler on the floor to end the regular season.
In those games, Golden State was 23-7.
Before Butler's acquisition, the Warriors were 25-27.
It's been a monumental move.
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