At a Glance
- Jimmy Butler tore his right ACL during Monday’s win over Miami
- The 36-year-old will miss the rest of the 2025-26 season
- Injury occurred in the third quarter as Butler landed from a catch
- Why it matters: The timing is brutal-Golden State had just strung together its first four-game win streak and 12 wins in 16 games
Golden State’s resurgence hit a devastating wall when Jimmy Butler collapsed with a torn right ACL, ending his season and forcing the front office to reassess its plans before the February trade deadline.
The Moment Everything Changed
Butler went down with 7:22 left in the third quarter at Chase Center. He caught an entry pass, landed awkwardly and immediately grabbed his right knee. Play stopped while Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II carried the veteran to the locker room.
An MRI confirmed the worst-case scenario: a complete ACL tear. ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the story; a source later confirmed the diagnosis to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson.
A Season on the Rise-Then Halted
The Warriors entered the night on their best stretch of the year:
- Four straight wins for the first time all season
- 12 victories in the last 16 games
- Clear momentum toward a playoff push
Butler, acquired to be the third star alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green, averaged 19.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists while stabilizing the defense. His presence turned Golden State from a fringe play-in squad into a team no contender wanted to face.
Front-Office Crossroads
General manager Mike Dunleavy now faces a franchise-altering choice with the trade deadline 15 days away. Options include:
- Stand pat and rely on Curry-Green two-man game
- Pursue a replacement wing via trade
- Pivot toward younger players and future assets
Curry and Green have proven they can still win at a high clip, but Butler’s two-way impact was viewed as the missing piece for a deep postseason run. Without him, the Western Conference bracket opens back up.
What Comes Next
Coach Steve Kerr told reporters the team will issue an official update Tuesday. Until then, the Warriors must regroup emotionally while re-drawing rotations that had just begun to click.
Golden State’s championship odds dropped overnight. How far they fall-and how aggressively Dunleavy responds-will dominate headlines until the buzzer sounds on February 5.
Key Takeaways
- Butler’s injury is season-ending, not career-threatening, but recovery from an ACL at 36 is lengthy
- The Warriors’ four-game win streak is now overshadowed by roster uncertainty
- Dunleavy’s next move will signal whether Golden State still believes it can contend
