Golden State Warriors’ top player Jimmy Butler is set to undergo surgery and sit out for the rest of the season due to an ACL tear in his right knee sustained during the third quarter of a 135-112 win against his former team, Miami. The team disclosed this news ahead of their upcoming game against Toronto.
The injury occurred on Monday night when Butler went down awkwardly after a collision with Davion Mitchell from the Heat, who was called for a foul. Despite the setback, Butler remained in good spirits, requesting two free throws after the incident, which was noted as a positive sign by coach Steve Kerr.
Following an MRI scan, it was confirmed that Butler would miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season and undergo surgery to address the ACL tear. This news has put the Golden State team in a challenging position as they approach the trade deadline in two weeks, needing to strategize on how to navigate the season without Butler.
Butler’s knee buckled upon landing, prompting visible discomfort as he was escorted off the court by teammates Gary Payton II and Buddy Hield. Despite the injury, Butler maintained his trademark humor, cracking jokes even in the midst of adversity.
In his limited playing time before the injury, Butler contributed significantly with 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds. He is a key player for the Warriors, ranking as the second-highest scorer behind Stephen Curry, with impressive averages in points, rebounds, and assists.
Kerr praised Butler’s leadership and on-court presence, acknowledging his absence would be deeply felt by the team. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s depth and versatility to sustain their performance in Butler’s absence.