The shocking reason Jimmy Butler didn’t like Damian Lillard to Milwaukee Bucks trade

The shocking reason why Jimmy Butler didn’t like Damian Lillard joining the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Jimmy Butler, who has already expressed his desire to defeat the Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard-led Milwaukee Bucks in order en route to win a championship this upcoming season, expressed his frustration with Lillard joining Adrian Griffin’s team rather than the Miami Heat’s inability to sign the seven-time All-Star.

The 2022-23 ECF MVP further asserted how he has disliked Griffin since their time together with the Chicago Bulls.

"“I’m more pissed off that he went to Milwaukee because he went to Adrian Griffin’s team,” Butler said. “Everybody knows I don’t like Adrian Griffin at all. Since my Chicago days.”"

Jimmy Butler ironically praised Adrian Griffin during their time with the Bulls

Butler’s remarks may lead some fans to draw the conclusion that the 6-time All-Star and Griffin had a falling out while they worked together in Chicago; with the latter being the assistant coach. That is untrue, though.

In contrast, Butler lauded Griffin for his breakthrough season back in 2015 when he was named the Most Improved Player after averaging 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. The 6-foot-7 forward claimed Griffin not only helped him expand his scoring range and levels but also helped him develop as an overall player.

"“I think Adrian Griffin had a lot because he had to deal with me just being unbearable because I was a rookie and I wanted to play so I beat him one-on-one a lot my rookie year and he can’t beat me to this day, but I think he has a lot to do with who I am,” Butler said, via Wi Sports Heroics."

Tempers will rise as Butler-led Heat take on Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 31

The reigning Eastern Conference Champions will take their first jab at Griffin’s squad on October 31 when they travel on the road to battle against the Bucks in Milwaukee, the first of three scheduled meetings between the two teams in the 2023-24 season.

There can be no question that, regardless of what happens, Butler will look to turn the game into a personal vendetta against Adrian Griffin’s star-studded Milwaukee Bucks.