Jimmy Butler went down with a brutal knee injury on Monday against his former team, the Miami Heat. He landed awkwardly on his right leg and hit the floor in pain before being carried to the locker room by his teammates. Immediate concerns arose about Butler suffering a serious injury.
NBA and NFL injury insider, Dr. Evan Jeffries, hinted at the worst possible outcome, suggesting that an ACL tear was on the cards for Butler. Jeffries pointed to Butler’s knee buckling after he landed it, which could lead to the Warriors star suffering a season-ending injury.
Jimmy Butler suffered a meniscus tear in 2018 and an MCL sprain in 2024 on the same leg, which raises more concerns about the extent of the injury. The Warriors acquired the forward at last year’s deadline to complement Steph Curry as the second option.
With Butler potentially out for the foreseeable future, the Warriors could face severe consequences if the role players don’t step up their production. Even then, Golden State will still miss Butler’s IQ and connective play, which has elevated the team to an 11-4 record over the last 15 games.
Jimmy Butler’s potential ACL tear could jeapordize Warriors’ last chance at a title with Steph Curry
The Warriors will be in a major hole if Jimmy Butler has potentially suffered an ACL tear. It would distance them even more from the chance of winning a fifth title in the Steph Curry era. Butler seemingly was the asset Golden State gambled on to give Curry the kind of help he needs to lead the team to the promised land.
However, at 36, Butler isn’t getting any younger, nor is Curry, who turns 36 in August. If Butler suffers an ACL tear, he could miss the start of next year and potentially be available only after the 2027 All-Star break. The Warriors might not survive that stretch with Curry steering the ship alone if they don’t make another major trade or two.
That would seem unlikely, as Butler’s contract will handicap their resources.
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