According to the Warriors' general manager, Butler won't be traded despite ACL injury absence until next season.
In his media availability, Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. set the record straight about the future of Jimmy Butler within the franchise.
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler
MIN: 31.1
PTS: 20 (65.24%)
REB: 5.58
AS: 4.87
ST: 1.45
BL: 0.21
TO: 1.58
GM: 38
According to the Dubs' top executive, a potential trade is not on the table for Butler as the star forward is set to be significantly unavailable until the 2026-27 season after suffering from a torn ACL injury.
"I don’t envision that, but now that you brought it up, what I envision for him is giving us a boost next year the same way he did last year when he arrived," he told reporters Tuesday. "At some point during the season, him returning and being the player he’s been. At his age, what he’s doing this year and the year he’s had is impressive. He’s got a style of game that can play for a long time with his skill, physicality, and mind for the game.
"My vision for him is returning at some point between now and this time next year."
Butler went down with a torn ACL in his right knee and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season. He is slated to undergo surgery.
Upon his critical absence, Butler will still earn a huge amount from the Warriors after signing a two-year, $110.96 million contract right at his last year's trade arrival from the Miami Heat.
This season, the star forward will earn $54.1 million.
As the Dubs are desperate and crushed to continue competing without Butler, there were rumors that they might move the 36-year-old for a much-needed reinforcement. With the title window of the Warriors slowly closing with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, many await the Warriors' approach before the Feb. 5 deadline.
But Dunleavy and the Warriors stand steadfast and committed in helping Butler fully recover from his brutal injury.
"Jimmy’s in good spirits," Dunleavy said. "I hate it for him on a personal level. He’s a former teammate. I’ve been through injuries and surgeries, but never an ACL or something this significant.
"I know he’s got a long road ahead, but he’ll have the support of our group and our medical staff, and I know he’ll bounce back."
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