Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury has put the entire league on notice, especially the Warriors franchise. After an on-and-off start to the 2025-26 season, the team just seemed to be getting back in rhythm, winning seven out of their last 10 games. After Jimmy Buckets’ ACL tear, the management might want to bridge the gap with Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga and the Warriors management have been in a discourse for the last few months. His playing minutes gradually took a hit amid the rumors that head coach Steve Kerr preferred veterans over youngsters in the rotation. The tussle even led to the forward demanding trade from the management during the mid-season trade period.
However, Butler’s injury might change everything, and Gilbert Arenas had some advice for the young player. Taking to X, Arenas shared his reaction to Jimmy Butler’s injury, saying a prayer for the star’s speedy recovery. Addressing Kuminga after that, the former NBA player said:
“When you pick that phone… Don’t fall for it, yeah. No, no, they showed you their true colors; they don’t want you here… Don’t shoot another mo**erf***ing basket for them. They gonna throw everything and move for you.”
It’s been a week, but there’s still no news on Jonathan Kuminga, which means the team hasn’t decided on him. And now, with Butler out for the season, the team rotation will not be easy to handle for Kerr.
Highlighting earlier rumors that Kuminga might have faked an injury to remain out of the Warriors’ playing squad, Arenas suggested that the forward should keep at it and not respond to management’s call.
Playing Kuminga might be the only option right now, and it would be interesting to see how this situation will turn out.
The Warriors’ options after Jimmy Butler’s injury
Jimmy Butler’s presence on the court and his ability to make winning plays might be hard to find in another player, but the Warriors management has no option but to search for one. One option will be to try to bring Kuminga back if they succeed in luring him, which seems unlikely at the moment.
The other option might be to make a replacement, as allowed by the NBA’s Disabled Player Exemption rule, and look for an underperforming asset, make a deal before the deadline, and hope that the trick works with their roster. Players like Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach LaVine, Paul George, and Jeremy Grant might do the trick for them and help the team make a deep postseason run.
For now, the Warriors management might be exploring a solution as soon as possible, as the season is at a crucial juncture and the team is just above the .500 mark, placed in eighth place.
READ MORE: 3 Players on Bad Contracts Whom Warriors Can Target With Jimmy Butler’s Deal
3 Trades Warriors Should Make After Jimmy Butler’s ACL Tear
How Long Is Jimmy Butler Out For? Return Timeline, Recovery and More on ACL Injuries
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