Jimmy Butler is trending in the right direction in his ongoing ACL recovery and rehabilitation.
According to Anthony Slater of ESPN, Butler has already increased his on-court work. While he will still be limited in his movement and activity, the Golden State Warriors star might return in January or February at the earliest, most optimistic timeline.
"Butler has been slowly increasing his on-court work while traveling the globe this summer, and the most recent strength tests on his right ACL recovery have shown notable progress, according to league sources. But Butler still has extensive rehab work ahead. He is expected to be limited to individual court and strength work when training camp opens in a month, league sources said, with the 36-year-old forward needing more time to be cleared for a full contact setting," the report indicated.
"A return in January or February can be considered an optimistic target, but there are plenty of checkpoints ahead before getting that clearance"
Jimmy Butler set for a major Warriors return next NBA season
Jimmy Butler notably went down with a torn ACL injury in his right knee last February.
His devastating injury completely crushed the Golden State Warriors' 2025-26 season, as the Dubs fell into the Play-In Tournament and got eliminated by the Phoenix Suns.
As he is expected to return at some point in 2026-27, Butler previously expressed confidence that he would still play at a high level once he returns, despite the significant injury.
The 36-year-old averaged 20.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists last NBA season. He will enter the final year of his two-year, $121 million extension with the franchise