San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The Golden State Warriors will be without the services of Jimmy Butler when they commence their 2026-27 NBA season. Butler remains on the sidelines after tearing his ACL against the Miami Heat on Jan. 19, 2026, and ESPN’s Anthony Slater recently shared an optimistic return timeline for the veteran forward.
“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,” Slater stated. “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,” Slater added. “A return in January or February can be considered an optimistic target, but there are plenty of checkpoints ahead before getting that clearance. The Warriors’ lead medical decision-maker, Rick Celebrini, is noted for a cautious approach.”
Back in July, it was reported that Butler was targeting a return as early as Christmas. That clearly appears to be too soon.
Given that Butler, who averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game in 2025-26, is 36 years old and will turn 37 next week, rushing him back from injury isn’t the way to go. The last thing you want is him coming back early and reinjuring himself.
Now, there have been hints about Butler being ahead of schedule in his recovery and returning sooner than expected, but a February return is still seen as optimistic. So, the six-time All-Star might only be back after the Feb. 11 trade deadline.
Speaking of that deadline, Butler could be traded before it, as he is entering the final year of his contract. The Warriors could get some value for a huge expiring contract ($56.8 million), but it doesn’t seem like they are actively going to look to move him.
The Warriors had acquired Butler from the Heat in February 2025. They went 23-7 with him in the lineup the rest of the regular season and headed into the 2025 playoffs with a lot of momentum. Unfortunately, Stephen Curry suffered a left hamstring strain in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and that was pretty much that.
The Timberwolves knocked the Warriors out in five games, but there was still optimism heading into 2025-26, given how well they played when healthy. They weren’t quite able to recapture that magic, though.
The Warriors had a 24-19 record when Butler tore his ACL. They were good, but definitely not title contenders. When a team like that loses a key player, things usually don’t go well, and that is what happened.
The Warriors finished 10th in the Western Conference with a 37-45 record. Now, Curry missing significant time with injury contributed to that as well, but they weren’t getting a top-six seed even if he were healthy. Even with the two-time MVP back, they lost to the Phoenix Suns in their second play-in tournament game and missed the playoffs.
The Warriors needed a big offseason to get back on track, and they were linked to some big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. They failed to get any star in, though, and their only free agency additions have been Georges Niang and Brandon Williams. It would be an understatement to say they don’t move the needle.
Butler’s eventual return should provide the Warriors a boost next season, but their days of competing for titles look over.