Jimmy Butler Details ACL Rehab, Hopes to Retire With Warriors
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San Francisco, CA — Jimmy Butler expects to remain sidelined until roughly mid-winter as he rehabs from right-knee ACL reconstruction performed four months ago, but the veteran forward says he is “right back to who I’ve always been” and plans to contribute as soon as medical staff clears him.
Speaking with ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Butler, 36, said he is about six weeks from running at full speed and still cannot land on his right leg with full weight. Golden State director of medicine Rick Celebrini, known for a cautious approach with veteran players, is overseeing the final stages of the rehab. A return in February — one year after the injury — is considered the most realistic timeline.
Butler will turn 37 in September and is entering the final season of his contract. Despite his age and injury, he dismissed retirement talk and reiterated a desire to finish his career in the Bay Area. “This is where I want to be done, retire here,” he said. “This organization is top-tier.”
The six-time All-Star arrived from Miami at the 2025 trade deadline but has yet to make a deep postseason run with Golden State. The Warriors lost to Phoenix in the 2026 play-in tournament after Butler’s injury and fell in the 2025 conference semifinals when Stephen Curry was sidelined.
Butler becomes extension-eligible on February 6, shortly before the 2027 trade deadline. Golden State explored deals involving his contract last season and is expected to evaluate similar scenarios again. Asked about the possibility of being moved, Butler said, “If I get traded, I get traded. Their job is to win. If I’m here when I come back, we’re going to be just fine.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
