Jimmy Butler
Getty
Jimmy Butler is in his first full season with the Golden State Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors are not rushing into a pivot.
In the aftermath of Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL injury, questions quickly surfaced about what comes next for Golden State — and whether Butler’s massive contract could become a trade tool ahead of the deadline. According to general manager Mike Dunleavy, that scenario is not part of the plan.
Speaking to reporters before Golden State’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Dunleavy made it clear he does not envision trading Butler’s contract and instead believes the veteran forward will return to help the team next season.
“I don’t envision that,” Dunleavy said. “My vision for him is to give us a boost next year the same way he did last year when he arrived.”
Anthony Slater
Mike Dunleavy said he does not envision he will trade Jimmy Butler’s contract and believes Butler will rehab and return to help the team at some point next season
Warriors Taking a Longer View With Butler
Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors
GettyJimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors
Dunleavy’s comments signal a deliberate approach rather than a reactive one.
Butler, who turns 37 next season, is owed $56.8 million in the final year of his contract. On paper, that number alone invites speculation. In practice, Dunleavy appears more focused on continuity and belief in Butler’s ability to contribute once healthy.
“At his age, to have the year he’s had is impressive,” Dunleavy said. “He’s got a style of game that can play for a long time — with his skill, his physicality, his mind for the game.”
Rather than treating Butler’s injury as a breaking point, Golden State is framing it as an interruption.
Different From the Melton Precedent
De'Anthony Melton
GettyDe’Anthony Melton of the Golden State Warriors in action.
This stance stands in contrast to how the Warriors handled De’Anthony Melton last season.
Melton, who tore his ACL after just six games with Golden State, was moved as part of a midseason trade package before eventually re-signing during his rehabilitation. That move was driven by short-term roster needs and timing.
With Butler, Dunleavy is signaling patience.
The difference is not just age or contract size. Butler had already proven his value within the Warriors’ system, helping power a postseason run last year and playing at an All-Star level this season before the injury.
What Dunleavy’s Comments Actually Signal
Perhaps most importantly, Dunleavy’s comments reflect restraint rather than surrender.
Moving Butler now would not automatically mean stepping away from contention. In theory, his contract could also be used as part of a deal for a star who helps immediately. Dunleavy did not close that door in general. What he did close was the idea of moving Butler simply to reset or reshuffle for the sake of change.
By keeping Butler on the books, the Warriors are preserving flexibility. They are leaving open the possibility that Butler can still factor into their plans next season, while also avoiding a rushed decision made in the emotional aftermath of an injury.
It is less about waving a white flag and more about refusing to force a move without clarity on the return.
Kuminga’s Situation Remains Separate
Jonathan Kuminga, Steve Kerr, Warriors
GettyJonathan Kuminga #1 of the Golden State Warriors.
Jonathan Kuminga remains in play.
After Jimmy Butler went down, head coach Steve Kerr said Kuminga could factor back into the rotation. Kuminga did just that against the Raptors, returning after missing nearly a month in his first appearance since requesting a trade on January 15, the day he became eligible to be moved.
Despite the return, Kuminga’s long-term future with the Warriors remains unresolved. He is still viewed as a likely trade candidate ahead of the February 5 deadline.
Fullcourtpass
The Warriors are still expected to trade Jonathan Kuminga following Jimmy Butler season ending injury, per @MarcJSpears
Final Word On the Warriors
Mike Dunleavy does not appear to be treating Jimmy Butler’s injury as a signal to tear things down.
Based on his comments, the Warriors are opting for patience — banking on Butler’s recovery, his long-term value, and the belief that this competitive window may still be open.
Whether that outlook proves realistic remains to be seen. For now, Golden State is operating as if it has time, resisting urgency-driven decisions in the immediate aftermath of Butler’s injury.