Warriors player Jimmy Butler undergoes surgery for torn ACL.
SAN FRANCISCO — Injured Golden State Warriors player Jimmy Butler successfully underwent surgery for his torn right ACL on Monday morning in Los Angeles, as announced by the team.
Butler is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season, with updates on his recovery not anticipated until “early next season,” according to the team’s announcement, indicating that he may not return until the middle of the 2026-27 season.
The injury occurred on January 19 during a victory against the Miami Heat. He sought opinions from multiple specialists before choosing Dr. Bert Mandelbaum, who performed the procedure on Monday morning, attended by several members of the Warriors’ organization.
Butler has been part of the Warriors for nearly a full year following a midseason trade from Miami at the 2025 deadline. He contributed to a strong finish, helping the team achieve a 23-8 record down the stretch and advance to the second round of the playoffs last season.
The Warriors recorded a 12-4 mark in their last 16 games with Butler, fostering internal optimism for another playoff appearance. However, Butler’s injury, as noted by Warriors coach Steve Kerr, diminishes their potential.
Butler has one year and $56.8 million left on his current contract. General manager Mike Dunleavy expressed that he does not “envision” trading Butler and expects him to return to the team next season.
“I think he’s got a style of game that can play for a long time with his skill, his physicality, his mind for the game,” Dunleavy stated. “So I guess my vision for him is him returning at some point between now and this time next year.”
