Jimmy Butler said he's "happy to be playing basketball again" in his introductory press conference with the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. He was emphatic about his singular focus of winning a championship while downplaying the idea that the Warriors were not his preferred destination after all reporting had indicated Butler preferred joining the Phoenix Suns as he angled for an exit from the Miami Heat.

The Heat dealt Butler to the Warriors as part of a big five-team deal ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline. In return, the Heat acquired Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and a top-10 protected 2025 first-round pick from the Warriors, and Davion Mitchell from the Toronto Raptors.

Even though Jimmy Butler informed the Warriors he would not sign an extension if he was traded there, the six-time All-Star landed there anyway. Moments after the news broke that Butler was traded from the Heat to the Warriors, however, he reportedly agreed to a two-year extension with the franchise anyway.

SportsLine's model just revealed its NBA picks and predictions for Thursday's Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers matchup

Analyzing Thursday’s Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Golden State Warriors are on the road to take on the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday night. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with a Warriors-Lakers prediction and pick. We will also let you know how to watch the game.

Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant has no desire for a reunion with the Golden State Warriors, league sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

On the latest “NBA Daily”, Dave DuFour and Zena Keita were joined by Anthony Slater to break down if — and how — a Durant-Warriors reunion could happen. A partial transcript has been edited for clarity and length.