Jimmy Butler has long had a reputation for being one of the NBA's most candid superstars.

“If we’re winning, it’s cool,” Butler told The Athletic. “If not, I might have something to say. I might have a lot to say to people. I’m going to speak up, speak my mind.

“Have I learned anything about myself in the league? I learned about myself a long time ago. That I belong here and I’m a really good player. Guys around the league respect me just like I respect other guys. That’s why you play the game. I don’t do it for the fame. I don’t do it for the money. I do it so every time you go up against somebody, they got to dap you and be like, ‘It’s going to be a battle tonight.’

“No matter what team I’m on, the league knows that. The players know that. To me, talk is cheap. You just have to go out there and do what you’re supposed to do.”