Jimmy Butler Formed Bond With Teammate Malevy Leons
The veteran star cheered for the 27-year-old forward during the team's October 4 preseason game.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Do you believe close personal bonds between teammates improve a sports team's performance?
Golden State Warriors forward Malevy Leons has found a vocal supporter in veteran teammate Jimmy Butler. The two developed a close relationship during the team's recent training camp in Hawaii.
Why it matters
Leons, a 27-year-old native of the Netherlands on a two-way contract, could see increased playing time this season. Whether he carves out a consistent rotation role remains an open question for the coaching staff.
Leons recorded 8 points and 2 rebounds during the October 4 preseason game, improving on his 3.3-point and 2.1-rebound averages from 25 games last season. It remains unknown how many minutes he will secure in the upcoming 82-game schedule.
The players
Jimmy Butler
A veteran star player for the Golden State Warriors who is expected to miss the first half of the current season.
Malevy Leons
A 27-year-old forward from the Netherlands who plays for the Golden State Warriors on a two-way contract.
Buddy Hield
A former Warriors player who was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in February 2026 and later moved to the Chicago Bulls.
Dalton Johnson
An analyst who projected in August 2026 that Leons would see expanded opportunities on the court.
The details
Butler showed his support for Leons by cheering from the bench during the preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. The forward is entering his second year with the organization after joining on a two-way contract. With roster adjustments following the February 2026 trade of Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks, Leons is being monitored for potential increased playing time.
Timeline
2024: Malevy Leons began his NBA career.
February 2026: Warriors traded Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks.
August 2026: Dalton Johnson predicted Leons would see increased playing time.
October 4, 2026: Warriors played a preseason game against the Clippers.
Across the Bay
The current focus on developing younger forwards follows the pattern established after the February 2026 trade of Buddy Hield. This transition emphasizes internal development to fill gaps in the lineup.
Fans watching the upcoming season should monitor if Leons earns consistent minutes. Check game-day injury reports to see if he enters the active rotation for home games.
The takeaway
Watch for Leons to take on a larger role as the season progresses given the current health of the frontcourt. Follow the team's official depth chart updates throughout the 82-game season to see how his usage trends.
Further reading
Keep up with team roster updates and rotation projections in our Basketball section.
Live Poll
Do you believe close personal bonds between teammates improve a sports team's performance?
