USA Today via Reuters
Image Credits: USA Today Network via IMAGN Images
USA Today via Reuters
Image Credits: USA Today Network via IMAGN Images
Tonight’s matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat was set to be an electric one. The Kaseya Center crowd saw Heat star Bam Adebayo return from a six-game injury, and this matchup had emotion behind it, given that former Heat player Jimmy Butler was making his latest return to the city.
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However, Adebayo’s outfit caught all the attention, specifically the hat. He wore a blue-and-white cap with large letters spelling out “Joy Dealer.” No commentary or shout-out, just a simple gesture that carried more meaning than words ever could, serving as a reminder of the past, nodding to Butler’s own words about Miami.
Bam Adebayo threw shade at Jimmy Butler with his hat 😭 pic.twitter.com/0VIoJ3BY6s
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) November 20, 2025
During his final days in Miami, Butler had openly admitted that he struggled to find happiness on court, and all but publicly requested a trade from the team. “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball,” he had said, indicating that what he felt with the Heat couldn’t fulfill what was missing. Eventually, after a suspension from the team and a drama with team president Pat Riley that originated from the offseason, Butler was traded to the Golden State Warriors.
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Upon being traded, Butler claimed to have rediscovered it, saying in his introductory presser, “It’s all about winning, so whatever happens, happens… I’ve been running up and down. Laughing, smiling and having fun. But now I get to do one of the things I love more than anything, and that’s to compete.” Clearly, this didn’t sit right with Adebayo.
During Butler’s return to Miami last season, he was spotted not acknowledging his teammates. Later, Adebayo told reporters, “I’m not shocked. It is what it is… He has a Golden State Warriors jersey on. We have a Heat jersey on… So if you don’t want to speak, we don’t speak and that’s fine.”
During tonight’s game, the Heat didn’t waste any time asserting themselves. Butler, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford, and Jonathan Kuminga were sitting out, and Miami immediately took advantage. Adebayo logged 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal, helping the team ward off a late third-quarter Warriors rally to seize control for good, securing a 110-96 win.
Bam Adebayo’s ‘Joy Dealer’ Hat Sparks Buzz After Jimmy Butler Returns to Miami
Fans quickly reacted to Jimmy Butler‘s return, and him not suiting up tonight was quickly noticed. One fan wrote, “Jimmy Butler in street clothes for a Heat home game? Looks like some traditions don’t die. Lmao.” Butler, during his seasons in Miami, only played more than 60 games once, and was known for reigning in his play during the regular season.
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Feb 7, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) looks on during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Others took aim at his attitude. One viewer framed Butler as a player who tries to position himself positively, regardless of what his actions indicate: “He tried acting like the good guy in the situation. But he does this every team he’s on, eventually he cries and makes it all about himself entire throwing the team down.”
Some also pointed to his relationships with former teammates, with one saying, “Jimmy so weird bro can’t even say hi to his former teammates.” This, combined with the fact that Curry was spotted chatting with Adebayo afterwards, puts Butler in an especially bad light.
A few reactions also pointed to how the Heat are doing better without their former leader, with one observer writing, “Unfortunately, it seems JB is too self centered. Heat are better off without him.” The sentiment was clear: the team is thriving without lingering drama.
Finally, fans questioned his drive and professionalism. One fan commented, “What type of competitor does what Jimmy Butler did last year in Miami, then goes back there and sits out? Very weak.” It was a reminder that in the eyes of many Miami fans, actions spoke louder than words.
