Jimmy Butler got into a heated exchange with Chris Paul in their Wednesday encounter during the 2024 NBA Preseason. While Butler is known to be one of the biggest goofballs in the league today, he picks his moments when he wants to lock in. Unfortunately for Paul, Butler wouldn’t let his actions slide.

During one of the sequences of their matchup, Paul was covering Nikola Jovic as he attempted to outmaneuver the point guard with his height advantage. However, the veteran guard decided to foul the taller Jovic. While the play could’ve been a common foul to others, it seems that Butler thought Paul played dirty.

While Jovic was taking his free throws, Jimmy Butler called out Chris Paul over the alleged dirty play. This then led to Butler guarding Paul in the next sequence, wherein the San Antonio Spurs guard was pushed out of bounds by Butler. The two veterans then had a heated exchange.

In alleged leaked audio posted by LegendZ Productions on YouTube on Friday, Paul immediately called out Butler saying, “I got 20 years in this sh*t”

The Miami Heat forward then responded:

“Yeah, that’s cool. I don’t give a f*ck how many years you got. I don’t give a f**k!”

Jimmy Butler taking the 2024-25 season more seriously

Jimmy Butler is now entering his sixth season with the Miami Heat. Throughout his tenure with the Heat, he managed to make a couple of NBA Finals appearances, both of which he played a prominent role in. He is undoubtedly one of Miami’s best players and it seems that Butler wants to keep it that way this season.

While Jimmy may be a serious threat on the court, many are aware of his funny side off the court. His humorous personality was on full display especially in 2022 and in 2023 during each year’s media day. Butler showed up to the 2022 photoshoot rocking dreadlocks and a clean-shaved face. Then in 2023, his media day appearance was funnier given the “emo” hair matched with black eyeliner.

However, on this year’s media day, Jimmy Butler seems to be taking things more seriously. Butler showed up to the photoshoot with his regular cornrows hairstyle and his signature headband. When asked why he showed up as his usual self on media day, Jimmy said:

“I’m here. No shenanigans.”

While his statement could mean anything, it’s likely a nod that he’s going to be taking the 2024-25 season more seriously. Butler’s contract has a player option for next season, and Heat team president Pat Riley publicly expressed that he’d want Butler to be more available before offering him a new contract.