Leaked footage of Jimmy Butler and Chris Paul’s preseason trash talk

Last week, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler and San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul got into a minor altercation during a preseason game.

Footage of their interaction was recently posted via YouTube

“I don’t care how many years you have,” Butler told Paul. “I don’t care (expletive).”

It started late in the second quarter of the Miami Heat’s win over the San Antonio Spurs. Butler wrapped up by Paul as he drove to the basket. Before shooting his free throws, Butler clapped while looking at Paul.

A few possessions later, Paul fouled Nikola Jovic. This led to Butler sprinting to collect his teammate. There was further applause in Paul’s direction.

On the next possession, Butler intentionally checked Paul for the foul. The two started biting each other until Butler laughed it off.

“I don’t know, man,” Paul said. “It’s the same old, same old NBA. Nobody’s doing anything.”

Butler finished with 12 points, four rebounds, three steals and a block on 80 percent shooting from the field.

Butler has been active in the Heat’s preseason games this season. It felt like Tuesday was the time he was booked for a preseason game throughout his tenure in Miami. It’s a welcome sight for fans because it doesn’t typically increase the intensity as much during the regular season.

While the Heat have high expectations for this year and a goal to have a new focus, Butler being the team leader and displaying that is a positive sign for the season.

Shandel Richardson is the editor of Miami Heat On SI. He can be contacted at [email protected]

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