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Butler’s ACL Rehab: Dunk Soon, Trade Asset, Warriors Miss Playoffs

6/28/2026

48 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Butler Rehab

Jimmy Butler tore his right ACL on Jan. 19, 2026, entering rehab.
He told ESPN June 27, 2026 he can dunk but not land and expects to run in six weeks.
GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. said there is no timetable, expects Butler to be productive and flagged his $56.8 million contract as a trade asset.
Warriors fell to a 37-45 record, missed the playoffs without Butler, and drafted Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11) and Lajae Jones (No. 54) in 2026.

Summary

Perkins Pushes Trade

Kendrick Perkins urged Dunleavy Jr. to call Brad Stevens about a Jaylen Brown trade before the window closes.
Perkins said the NBA’s 25 oldest players include five on Golden State and that Brown’s supermax contract would force the Warriors to surrender first-round picks.
Timothy Rapp proposed sending Butler and the No. 11 pick to Washington for Anthony Davis, with Wizards asking for picks and adding LeBron James for a $287 million core.

History

Historical Context

In July 2016 Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors, a move that helped launch the modern “super-team” era. The Warriors then gave Stephen Curry a $215 million extension in 2021 and, after injuries to Durant and Klay Thompson, won the 2022 title, underscoring how blockbuster contracts reshape roster strategy.

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Butler Rehab

Jimmy Butler tore his right ACL on Jan. 19, 2026, entering rehab.
He told ESPN June 27, 2026 he can dunk but not land and expects to run in six weeks.
GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. said there is no timetable, expects Butler to be productive and flagged his $56.8 million contract as a trade asset.
Warriors fell to a 37-45 record, missed the playoffs without Butler, and drafted Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11) and Lajae Jones (No. 54) in 2026.

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