Jimmy Butler
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Golden State Warriors' Jimmy Butler during a game against the LA Clippers in January 2026
The Golden State Warriors were dealt a devastating blow on Monday night when star Jimmy Butler landed awkwardly on his right leg and immediately showed visible signs of distress.
The six-time All-Star was seen clutching his knee after contact with Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell, as play stopped.
Butler was eventually helped to his feet and escorted to the locker room by teammates Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II, even managing to joke with officials that he was owed two free throws as he exited.
ESPN’s Shams Charania later reported that Butler had suffered a torn right ACL, an injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
Golden State Warriors Face Franchise-Altering Injury
Despite a 135-112 win over the Heat, the result felt secondary. All attention turned to Butler, whose injury immediately cast doubt over the Warriors’ short-term trajectory.
Even before Charania’s report, doctors and medical professionals began weighing in publicly as replays circulated online.
“The medical staff and team will likely go through the usual battery of tests including physical exam, x-rays, and MRI,” said Dr. Nirav Pandya.
Pandya, a professor of UCSF Orthopedic Surgery, outlined the wide range of possible outcomes before the diagnosis was confirmed.
“We have seen some bad knee injuries on video simply be bone bruises from hyper-extension (a couple week injury) to very simple looking injury be an ACL tear (9–12 months),” Pandya added.
That timeline now appears to apply to Butler. At 36 years old, he faces a long road back, likely extending well into the 2026-27 season.
Butler previously tore his meniscus in 2018 while with the Minnesota Timberwolves and suffered an MCL sprain in 2024 during his time with the Heat. Still, an ACL tear represents a far more significant hurdle at this stage of his career.
Warriors Brace for Long Road Without Butler
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving suffered a torn ACL in March 2025 and has yet to return to the court.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates ACL recovery timelines at six to 12 months, a broad range that aligns with Pandya’s assessment. In Butler’s case, all signs point toward the longer end of that spectrum.
Yet even in the immediate aftermath, Butler’s positivity stood out.
“He was still cracking jokes over there while he was on the ground,” said Stephen Curry, via ESPN. “In true Jimmy fashion, he’s always gonna have a good time no matter what the situation is.”
Behind the scenes, the mood was far heavier. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr described a locker room waiting for clarity.
“We’re all concerned,” Kerr said. “Subdued. Waiting to hear the news.”
Before the injury, Butler had been central to Golden State’s resurgence. Through 38 games, he averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting 51.9% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range.
The Warriors sit 25-19, eighth in the Western Conference, riding a four-game win streak and winners of 12 of their past 16 games.
With Butler lost for the season, Golden State’s attention will turn toward the February 5 trade deadline as it looks to salvage momentum and redefine what remains of the campaign.