Jimmy Butler wants G League stint, jokes he’ll ‘fistfight’ Mike Dunleavy over it

Jimmy Butler wants to play a game in the G League before returning to the Warriors. And he already has a response ready if general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. objects.

“I don’t got to clear s**t with nobody. I’m going. Me and Mike will fistfight,” Butler joked to The Athletic’s Nick Friedell. “He’s gonna be like, ‘Jimmy, no.’ I’m gonna be like, ‘Mike, yes. I’m going to G League, baby!’ Y’all know where to find me. Santa Cruz, baby.”

Butler and Dunleavy were teammates with the Bulls, so there’s some familiarity behind the joke. Butler’s desire to suit up for the Warriors’ affiliate, however, sounds serious.

“I’m going down to Santa Cruz to hoop. It may not be for long, but I’m going to play in Santa Cruz. I’m playing in a f***ing game,” Butler said.

“I’m definitely coming down there to play. So good luck to everybody. Y’all ain’t gonna get too many minutes out of me, but I’m definitely going down there. I want to hoop.”

Coach Steve Kerr supports the idea, comparing it to baseball’s minor-league rehab assignments. He said he would attend if the Warriors’ schedule allowed it.

There is no scheduled assignment or confirmed date for Butler’s NBA return. He tore his right ACL on Jan. 19 and underwent surgery Feb. 9 after averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 38 games.

The Warriors are 8-4 and also dealing with Stephen Curry’s oblique injury. They could certainly use Butler back.

First, though, he wants a few minutes in Santa Cruz. Sounds like Dunleavy should expect a conversation.

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