Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center.
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Over the summer, the Golden State Warriors expect Jimmy Butler to return after suffering an ACL injury last year and essentially diffusing rumors that Butler is being traded.
Moreover, the Warriors have seen progress in Butler's recovery as the season approaches.
On Friday, a video was posted of Butler back in the gym and getting shots up.
Jimmy Butler is back in the lab 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/eX9iCPcwG7
— 𝐙𝐨 🌶️ (@ZoSpicyDubs) August 21, 2026
While the Warriors are seeing light at the end of the tunnel, some fans have mixed messages, per Reddit/Warriors. In essence, they like seeing Butler back, but he's still not all the way there.
One fan noted that Butler is taking things slowly.
“Zero lift. Going at quarter speed. The road is long.” Ralphredimix_Da_G posted on Reddit.
Another fan compared it to his own experience dealing with ACL injuries and recognizing the struggle it takes to get back into the fold.
“Having had three ACL's myself, his hesitation to plant at this stage resonates,” FounderingFox posted.
An additional fan acknowledged that Butler needs more time.
“Yeah, he clearly has a while left on his road to recovery,” rixx0n posted on Reddit.
Then, one fan was happy to get Butler back in action.
“Good to see Jimmy Buckets out there getting shots”Horror_Trust1826 posted.
In January, Butler injured his ACL during a game against the Miami Heat. Butler played in 38 games and averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Additionally, Butler shot 51.9% from the field and 37.6% from the 3-point line.
In February 2025, Butler signed a two-year, $111 million contract extension after being traded from the Miami Heat. The contract runs until this season.