Shaq uses relationship with Kobe Bryant to offer advice for Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green: “It’s all about respecting”.

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One of the biggest headlines before the trade deadline was Jimmy Butler’s departure from South Beach to the Bay Area. After months of back-and-forth with Miami Heat president Pat Riley — centered around contract issues, ego and control — Jimmy finally packed his bags. But his new home in Golden State is far from an ego-free environment.

How Butler would mesh with Draymond Green is a thought that has crossed many fans’ minds. Known for his intense personality and on-court fire, the star forward stepped into a locker room with another vocal personality and leader in Green.

O’Neal’s thought

Basketball great Shaquille O’Neal, who famously shared a locker room with Kobe Bryant during their three-peat era with the Los Angeles Lakers, weighed in on the potential dynamic in The Bay.

“It’s not about clashes,” the Hall of Famer said. “It’s all about respecting. It’s okay to have two big personalities in the room. I played with a big personality, and we won three in a row ’cause we never disrespected each other. Said a lot of stuff on the media off the court but when we got on the court, inside those lines, all you got to do is play hard and try to win.”

O’Neal and Bryant’s infamous feud made headlines for years but rarely spilled onto the court — their partnership produced three consecutive championships. The former superstar big man suggests Butler and Green can find a similar balance — if they respect each other.

Related video: Ron Artest Reflects on His Most Memorable Kobe Bryant Moment (Stephen Jackson)

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A few weeks after the trade, the new Warriors star hasn’t wasted time making his presence felt. On the court, he’s bringing his signature toughness, while off the court, he’s working on chemistry with his new teammates, including Dray.

Green’s intensity is nothing new to the NBA. The four-time champion has had his share of heated moments, from verbal spats to physical altercations. One of the most infamous incidents came in October 2022, when the Warriors forward punched then-teammate Jordan Poole during a team practice.

The altercation, which was caught on video and leaked online, eventually caused a problem in the locker room and led to Poole’s trade to the Washington Wizards.

Green later apologized but the damage had already been done. This season, however, he has shown a more composed version of himself — perhaps a sign of growth or simply an adjustment to new circumstances.

With Butler in the mix, the Warriors are banking on both players channeling their competitive fire into winning basketball. While the two stars have reputations for being outspoken and passionate, the 35-year-old has emphasized that his focus is on winning, not drama.

Related: Will Barton on why NBA players rank Kobe higher than LeBron:” We feel like he took the harder route to get his championships” –

Butler’s impact

In addition to landing the six-time All-Star, the Warriors signed him to a two-year, $112 million contract extension, showing their commitment to another deep playoff run.

Butler’s role is to help lift the Warriors out of the Western Conference play-in and possible playoff battle and maximize what remains of Stephen Curry’s prime.

The Warriors currently hold the No. 7 seed in the West with a 32-28 record, a step up from their No. 10 position before Butler’s arrival. His scoring dipped this season — from 20.8 points per game to 17.0, his lowest since 2013-14. But those close to the situation believe it’s more about motivation than ability.

Now in a fresh environment, the Warriors are betting that Jimmy will rediscover his edge just in time for a playoff push. With the postseason fast approaching, all eyes are on how Butler and Green will coexist.

Related: “It cost me like $60” – Shaquille O’Neal reveals that he trademarked his Dunkman logo while he was still in college