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The situation with Kristaps Porzingis has somewhat derailed the Warriors’ season, but they aren’t about to give up. With Stephen Curry on the team, they still have every incentive to win now, and Yaxel Lendrborg’s rise to power has given them renewed hope of a competitive season.
Of course, that’s not to mention Jimmy Butler’s impending return. After tearing his ACL last season, Butler has been in full recovery, but there’s good reason to believe that we can expect him back before the deadline. According to the latest reports, he’s ahead in the process, adding additional optimism that he can help the Warriors make a push this season.
“The same can be said regarding Jimmy Butler, with the Warriors continuing to signal that they aren’t thinking about trading. A little note on Butler — we are hearing that Butler continues to be ahead of schedule in his recovery, and team officials are extremely optimistic about his return before the trade deadline,” reported Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
ACL tears require a lengthy recovery time, ranging from 9 to 12 months. While modern medical advances have made it easier than ever for players to regain their strength, it’s still a difficult process that can alter careers. Over the past year, Butler has experienced this for himself, and it has shifted his entire perspective on the last act of his basketball story.
Butler, 37, signed with the Warriors in the summer of 2025, hoping to usher in a new era of prosperity for the franchise. He made an impact right away, raising their ceiling and giving them newfound life after years of struggles. Last season was his best stretch of all with the team, averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game on 51.0% shooting from the field.
Sadly, Butler was limited to just 38 games before his season-ending injury, and the Warriors have been in limbo ever since. Without a reliable co-star next to Steph, they have struggled to keep up with the competition, culminating in disappointing play on both ends of the court. The struggles sparked endless trade rumors, with Butler himself at the center of most of them.
The longtime veteran is on a $56 million expiring contract, giving him unique value on the trade market. One suggested deal involved the Warriors trading Butler in exchange for Franz Wagner. Such an arrangement was always unlikely, however, as the Warriors are against trading Jimmy.
From the beginning, they’ve been completely supportive of the veteran swingman and plan to see it through with him and Curry as the focal points of the team, even if it means enduring this uncertain stretch. The best part is, while the Warriors will have to hold out a while longer, Butler is ahead of schedule, and it could have massive implications for the Western Conference playoff picture.
Following last night’s blowout victory over the Heat, Golden State now sits seventh in the West at 6-3. As winners of five straight, without Porzingis, Moody, or Butler, they are showing a remarkable level of poise and focus in the face of so many setbacks. Once Butler is back, they’ll be even more formidable.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jimmy-butler-injury-return-timeline-003607852.html
