Full Breakdown
Jimmy Butler’s ACL Recovery and Future with the Golden State Warriors
6/28/2026, 1:06:23 PM
Injury Update
Jimmy Butler tore his right ACL on Jan. 19, 2026 vs. Miami, had surgery Feb. 9, and says he is about six weeks from full-speed running but still cannot bear weight, leaving months of rehab before a return.
Background
The Warriors acquired Butler at the Feb. 2025 deadline, sparking a 23-8 run that led to a playoff upset of Houston Rockets. A hamstring injury to Stephen Curry derailed the postseason, and the team finished 37-45, missing the playoffs.
Key Numbers
Butler, 36 (turning 37 in Sep 2026), is a six-time All-Star on a $56.8 million expiring contract; another source lists a $27.6 million player-option. He averaged 20 points per game during a 12-4 stretch. Combined salaries of Butler and Moses Moody approach $70 million, which will miss most of Stephen Curry’s age-39 season.
Official Statements
Head coach Steve Kerr said the injury “changed everything.” GM Mike Dunleavy expressed hope for a return, citing De’Anthony Melton’s 12-month ACL comeback. Director of medicine Rick Celebrini is described as taking a cautious approach. Butler voiced confidence in his recovery and a wish to retire in a Warriors uniform.
Criticism & Opposition
Kendrick Perkins urged Golden State to consider trading Butler for Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown, noting Butler’s post-injury value is uncertain and a deal would likely need four first-round picks, highlighting pressure to acquire younger talent with Butler’s $57 million salary.
Conflicting Reports
Sources list Butler’s contract as either $56.8 million expiring or $27.6 million player-option, creating ambiguity about his financial leverage. His rehab timeline also varies: he mentions a six-week run window but acknowledges “several months” before a full return. No trade offers confirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Probably better if we was to really talk about it. I know I'm still going to be a top player whenever I get back. I have a couple good years left in me, and we're going to ride it until the wheels fall off.” — Jimmy Butler, ESPN interview
- “Jimmy's injury just changed everything,” — Steve Kerr, head coach
- “I'm not going to rush it, but I know I'm going to come back ready and I know I'm going to come back better than ever.” — Jimmy Butler, ESPN interview
- “We don’t know when Jimmy Butler is going to come back, and when he does, we don’t know what he’s going to look like,” — Kendrick Perkins, ESPN analyst
What’s Next
Golden State must decide before Feb. 2027 trade deadline whether to use Butler’s $57 million salary in a package that could fetch a player like Jaylen Brown, a deal requiring first-round picks. Meanwhile, Butler’s rehab milestones—running, weight-bearing drills, and clearance from Celebrini—will determine his availability for the 2026-27 season and shape contract talks ahead of summer 2027 free agency.
