Jimmy Butler
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Jimmy Butler of the Golden State Warriors suffered a season-ending knee injury.
The Golden State Warriors are going to be without Jimmy Butler for the rest of the season after a devastating knee injury on Monday. Butler suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in the third quarter of the Warriors’ win over his former team, the Miami Heat.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Butler underwent an MRI after awkwardly twisting his right knee with 7:41 left in the third period. He was officially diagnosed with a torn ACL, effectively ending his season. He’s expected to undergo surgery as soon as possible.
It was an unfortunate injury that came at the wrong time for Golden State. The team has been playing really well over the past few weeks, with a 12-4 record in their last 16 games. They have won four in a row and are sitting eighth in the West standings at 25-19.
The injury likely opens up minutes for players like Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II, Will Richard and Buddy Hield. Jonathan Kuminga could also be on the fold despite not playing since December 18 against the Phoenix Suns.
Warriors Share Good News Amid Butler’s Rough Injury
Speaking to reporters after the Warriors’ 135-112 win over the Heat, coach Steve Kerr shared some good news regarding the injured Gui Santos. Kerr revealed that Santos is expected to play on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors, as well as Draymond Green.
“We’re hoping to get Gui back tomorrow. I think he’s going to play, but we’ll see. And obviously, we’ll get Draymond. It looks like both of them will be back. So we’ll keep plugging along,” Kerr said, via NBC Sports Bay Area.
Santos has missed the last two games with a sprained left ankle. He plays the same position as Jimmy Butler, so he’s likely getting a boost in minutes. Green returns after a one-game absence due to injury maintenance of his right ankle.
While Santos can’t replace Butler’s production, he will have the opportunity to step up and provide energy, defense and hustle.
ESPN Analyst Shares What’s Next For Golden State After Butler’s Injury
With Jimmy Butler out for the season, possibly the entire 2026, the big question is what’s next for the Warriors ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
ESPN’s Shams Charania focused on the future of Jonathan Kuminga, who has demanded a trade out of Golden State. Charania mentioned teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings having a genuine interest in the 23-year-old forward.
Kuminga is more than capable of filling in for Butler, but he reportedly wants out of the Warriors, and the relationship is all but unrepairable.
“Do you try to find a deal out there on the marketplace that can help the Warriors win and compete without Jimmy Butler? That’s a gaping hole for this team, so two teams that have interest in Jonathan Kuminga, the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings. Does a player, say DeMar DeRozan, does that fit the bill of what the Warriors could need without Jimmy Butler?” Charania said.
DeRozan and Butler are pretty similar players in build, but they offer something different. DeRozan is a top-tier mid-range scorer and can take over the clutch, while Butler can do everything from pass, score, defend and rebound.