Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after suffering a torn right ACL against his former team, the Miami Heat, on January 19 at Chase Center. The 36-year-old was injured midway through the third quarter following a collision with Davion Mitchell and exited the game after scoring 17 points.
Former NBA guard Nick Young described Butler’s injury as “karma,” referencing the turmoil surrounding his departure from Miami last season. “Against your old team too. Somebody not living right. Somebody not living right man. Go pray. That’s just karma,” Young told Gil’s Arena, via ClutchPoints, adding that he hopes Butler recovers but noted, “he ain’t gonna be speedy no more.”
Despite Butler’s absence, the Warriors defeated the Heat 135-112, with Stephen Curry contributing 19 points and 11 assists, and Brandin Podziemski scoring a season-high 24 points with six rebounds. Buddy Hield added 16 points, and the team shot 52% from the field and 47% from three.
Golden State now faces a significant challenge in maintaining playoff positioning without Butler, who averaged 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game this season. The team is already missing Draymond Green, sidelined with a right ankle sprain, leaving Curry and Podziemski to carry the offensive load.
The injury also echoes Butler’s turbulent 2024-25 season, which included multiple suspensions and trade requests while with Miami. He officially joined Golden State on February 6, 2025, in a five-team deal, declining his player option and signing a two-year, $121 million extension through 2026-27.
As the Warriors try to remain in playoff contention in the competitive Western Conference, Butler’s injury represents a major setback, leaving questions about how the team will navigate the remainder of the season without its primary scorer and floor leader.
