Tom Thibodeau spotted with Jimmy Butler
Golden State Warriors guard Jimmy Butlerwhich is recent suffered an ACL injuryhe took time out to rebuild his relationship with his former coach. On Friday, Butler’s picture went viral laughing with Tom Thibodeau at an event he hosted, according to Rob Hwang of Write for Cal.
Thibs came to Jimmy’s event last night
over @rob11hwang pic.twitter.com/UkKuKRi7pS
— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) January 30, 2026
This interaction is fast distracted Butler’s agent, Bernard Lee, emphasizing the importance of their renewed relationship.
“For the last 10 years anything significant has happened… 1 of the first phone calls usually followed by a flight. Just a good human being,” Lee posted on X (formerly Twitter).
In the last 10 years anything significant happens… 1 of the first phone call usually followed by a flight. Just a good human being. https://t.co/oMKJkdKsf2t
— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) January 30, 2026
From 2011 to 2015, Thibodeau coached Butler at Chicago Bulls. It was Thibodeau who kicked Butler out of Marquette University. From there, Butler emerged as an All-Star guard, and in 2015 the Bulls made the postseason, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. However, Thibodeau and Butler clashed many times.
Eventually, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017. Thibodeau soon followed and became the head coach.
Butler played one season in Minnesota (2017-2018). The breaking point came during a fight during training. Butler began accusing the younger players in Chicago of being unmotivated and demanded a trade.
He would get into screaming matches with Thibodeau and general manager Scott Layden. Butler was then sent to the Philadelphia 76ers, then to the Miami Heat, and landed with the Warriors in 2025.
Most recently, Thibodeau attended the jersey retirement ceremony for his former player and Butler teammate, Derrick Rose, in Chicago.
2026-01-31 00:31:00
