Warriors send clear message after Jimmy Butler injury update
The Golden State Warriors are moving forward with clarity and conviction following some optimistic injury news involving one of their core veterans.
The team announced earlier today that Jimmy Butler underwent successful surgery in Los Angeles to repair a torn right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) suffered Jan. 19 against the Miami Heat. According to the Warriors’ release, Butler is expected to make a full recovery, with an update on his progress to be provided early next season.
The injury marked a significant turning point for a Warriors team built to contend around Stephen Curry late into his prime. Acquired in a midseason deal during the 2024-25 campaign, Butler was brought in to elevate Golden State’s postseason ceiling. Prior to the injury, he was doing exactly that.
In 37 games this season, Butler averaged 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 51.9 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three-point range, elite efficiency for a 36-year-old wing known more for physicality than finesse.
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His impact extended beyond the box score. Warriors center Al Horford highlighted Butler’s mindset in the aftermath of the injury.
“Jimmy is definitely a very different type of guy, and everybody knows that,” Horford told The New York Times. “But when people go through adversity or something, you can tell kind of how somebody is. This dude, he’s out here, he’s upbeat. I feel like this is not slowing him down or anything. It’s just impressive how he’s been able to handle all this that has come his way.”
Despite outside speculation that Golden State could explore moving Butler’s contract, worth $54.1 million this season and $56.8 million next, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. firmly shut that down.
“At his age, to have the year he’s had is impressive,” Dunleavy said. “I think he’s got a style of game that can play for a long time with his skill, his physicality, his mind for the game. So I guess my vision for him is him returning at some point between now and this time next year.”
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As the Warriors recalibrated following the injury, they moved aggressively, acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. The deal underscored Golden State’s commitment to competing now without sacrificing belief in Butler’s long-term value.
Dunleavy also dismissed suggestions that Butler, or Draymond Green, were ever seriously discussed in blockbuster trade talks.
“You’re putting words in my mouth,” Dunleavy said when asked about hypothetical scenarios involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. “No, no, no. We’re not doing that.”
For Golden State, the message is clear: Butler remains part of the plan. Not a trade chip, but a pillar for what comes next.
