Shaquille O'Neal Drops Bold Claim on Former Marquette Star

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has delivered a bold statement on former Marquette Golden Eagles star Jimmy Butler, who has been starring for the Golden State Warriors.

Mar 4, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Former Marquette Golden Eagles star Jimmy Butler has changed the landscape of the NBA over the last month following his trade to the Golden State Warriors, and Shaquille O'Neal has taken notice.

During an episode of Inside the NBA on Thursday night, O'Neal called the Warriors' decision to acquire Butler from the Miami Heat his favorite move of the trade deadline.

“This was my favorite trade because I know Jimmy was going to be playing with a new type of energy," O'Neal said. "He’s a two-way player, he can step out, shoot the three, play on the inside, Chuck mentioned this earlier: he’s definitely been going to the free throw line. Listen, he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder. ... If they get the right matchup in the playoffs, I would not want to face Golden State.”

The Warriors have gone 10-1 since trading for Butler, who is averaging 17.1 points, 5.4 assists and five rebounds over 31 minutes per game in Golden State while shooting 45.1 percent from the floor.

Butler had previously spent the last five-and-a-half seasons with the Heat, but things reached a boiling point earlier this year, resulting in Miami suspending the six-time All-Star multiple times. The 35-year-old demanded to be dealt, and his request was granted.

Of course, Butler spent three years at Marquette between the 2008-09 and 2010-11 campaigns after spending one year playing at Tyler Junior College.

Butler established himself as one of the best players in the Big East during his time with the Golden Eagles and was then selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 30th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft.

He owns career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 boards and 4.3 assists per game.