CHICAGO — Jimmy Butler has played five games in the past seven weeks, hasn’t practiced with the Warriors and wasn’t even permitted to participate in Saturday morning’s shootaround, but he’s set to debut without any limits on his work load.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said before the Warriors’ Saturday night game at the United Center that Butler, the newest Warrior, isn’t on any minutes restriction. Although three suspensions from the Heat for a pattern of conduct detrimental to the team sidelined him for much of the past two months, Butler kept himself in game shape and will go full speed ahead.

“I know the last few weeks he hasn’t played a bunch, but he’ll be fine,” Kerr said.

Butler, 35, debuted as a Warrior against the Bulls — another one of his former teams. He has been in the fold for the past two days after the Feb. 6 deadline trade that sent out a protected 2025 first round pick, Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters III and Dennis Schroder.

The trade — and Butler’s ensuing contract — was the Warriors picking a path. It turns the last 31 games of the season into a sprint to the playoffs.

It starts Saturday.

“What I’ve learned is timing is everything in this league,” Kerr said. “I think we’re getting Jimmy at the right time. His time in Miami expired. It ran out. You could feel it. They felt it, he felt it. So, we’re getting him at a time that’s probably healthy for us and healthy for Jimmy.”

Butler wasn’t allowed to shoot around with the team Saturday morning because other players involved in the transaction hadn’t yet passed their physicals. That logistical hurdle got cleared, paving the way for Butler’s debut.

The Warriors historically don’t practice much at all, so there will be an adjustment period as Butler learns Golden State’s terminology and set plays. He sat down with Kerr to go through some out of bounds plays and pet actions. Kerr said they’ll simplify some of what they run with Butler on the court and he’s confident that the forward’s impressive basketball I.Q. will help smooth the transition.

Kerr picked Butler’s brain and compared him to Andre Iguodala in the way he sees the game.

Butler will play with Steph Curry and especially in the minutes Curry sits, initiating the offense. He gives the Warriors a paint and foul-drawing dynamic they’ve lacked all season, but especially as Jonathan Kuminga has been sidelined by a sprained ankle (Kuminga is set to be re-evaluated Monday).

Kerr has searched for lineup configurations that work all season, and that will be no different with Butler. Finding enough shooting, especially from the two-guard position and possibly at center, will be key.

The Warriors expect Butler to be committed and motivated after a roller-coaster first half in Miami. There’s going to be trial and error, but they don’t have time for anything else.

“Everything is timing,” Kerr said. “When you get guys, where are they, their circumstances? Where are you and yours as an organization? That has to factor in, and I think the timing is perfect for us and for Jimmy. We need each other. I think it’s going to be a great setup and we’re excited.”

Related Articles

Cap breakdown: Warriors convert Quinten Post to standard deal after Jimmy Butler trade

NBA All-Star Game: Draymond Green, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield join festivities

Warriors introduce Jimmy Butler, fall back below .500 with loss to Lakers

By trading for Jimmy Butler, Warriors picked a path

Former Warriors Steph Curry and Kevin Durant as well as LeBron James and Anthony Davis to be reunited on ‘Team Shaq’ All-Star squad

Podziemski selected as Rising Stars replacement

Brandin Podziemski was named a Rising Star, replacing injured Thunder guard Cason Wallace. Although Steph Curry is Golden State’s lone All-Star, the Warriors have a franchise record eight players participating in the festivities next week.

Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Pat Spencer are playing in the Rising Stars game. Quinten Post is a G League is in the G League Showcase. Draymond Green and Moses Moody are tag-teaming the skills challenge and Buddy Hield is shooting in the 3-point contest.

Additionally, Warriors luminaries Chris Mullin, Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Jason Richardson are either coaching or judging the events.