It will likely be sometime in the middle of winter before Jimmy Butler gets back on an NBA court, but he’s confident that he’ll still be able to make an impact whenever that happens, writes Anthony Slater of ESPN. More than four months have elapsed since Butler underwent ACL reconstruction surgery on his right knee, and he’s pleased with the recovery process so far.
“I’m right back to who I’ve always been,” he said. “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.”
Although he’ll turn 37 in September and is entering the final year of his contract, Butler isn’t giving much thought to retirement. However, he told Slater that whenever the time comes, he wants to finish his career with the Warriors.
“End is a bad word, but this is where I want to be done,” Butler said. “Retire here. This organization is top-tier. It’s the best. Keep it a buck. It’s the best. You’re playing with one of the greatest players ever. I’m grateful to be able to witness this. I want to be able to do my part, get this organization back on top where we belong.”
Butler is hoping to make an extended playoff run with Golden State, something he hasn’t gotten the chance to do since he was acquired from Miami at the 2025 trade deadline. His ACL injury derailed an already difficult season, and the Warriors fell to Phoenix in the play-in tournament after surprising the Clippers in the first game.
A year ago, Stephen Curry got injured in the second round against Minnesota, taking away any chance Golden State had to win that series.
“It just sucks because we ain’t never really been healthy together,” Butler said. “Part of winning is being healthy. You ain’t seen us healthy at the end in the playoffs when it matters. Let’s be healthy and then all of that [doubting] can be heard.”
Butler is hoping to return to action as soon as possible, but Slater states that sometime in February — 12 months from the time of the injury — is probably most realistic. He notes that director of medicine Rick Celebrini has a reputation for being cautious with veterans in the late stage of rehab, and it took De’Anthony Melton a full year to return from his ACL tear this season.
Butler reiterated to Slater that he’s about six weeks away from being able to run at full speed, and he still can’t land on his right leg with his full weight after jumping. Several months of rehab work lie ahead, and Butler will have numerous boxes to check before a return date can be considered.
Butler, who’ll become extension-eligible on February 6, shortly before the 2027 trade deadline, also addressed the possibility of being moved. The Warriors made inquiries before this year’s deadline on deals that might have needed his contract to be completed, and the team is reported to be exploring similar opportunities now.
“You talking about being traded?” Butler said. “It wouldn’t be the first time. [But] it’s good to know that I’m wanted here. If I get traded, I get traded. Their job is to win. Can I help them do that? Yes. If they feel like somebody else can help them do that on a quicker timetable than whenever I come back, then they got to go and do that, but as of right now, I’m here. I don’t take that for granted. I’m grateful, but if I’m going to be here whenever I get back, we’re going to be just fine.”
