Veteran NBA star Jimmy Butler is in a weird spot right now. As he continues his recovery from a right ACL tear, his future can only be described as uncertain heading into 2026 free agency.
In fact, with the Warriors in desperate need of roster upgrades, there’s a possibility that Butler might get traded in exchange for someone who can make a more immediate impact. In a recent chat with the media, Butler opened up on that possibility and said he wouldn’t blame the franchise for making a move in its own best interest.
“You talking about being traded?” Butler told ESPN. “It wouldn’t be the first time. [But] it’s good to know that I’m wanted here. If I get traded, I get traded. Their job is to win. Can I help them do that? Yes. If they feel like somebody else can help them do that on a quicker timetable than whenever I come back, then they got to go and do that, but as of right now, I’m here. I don’t take that for granted. I’m grateful, but if I’m going to be here whenever I get back, we’re going to be just fine.”
Butler, 36, hasn’t played since January, in a 135-112 win over the Heat. From that point, up to now, it’s been a seemingly endless cycle of rehab, rest, and waiting for the six-time All-Star, and it’s taken a toll. Through it all, however, the Warriors have been extremely supportive, doing whatever they can to help while maintaining their loyalty.
In return, Butler’s attachment to the team has never been stronger. Despite having played just 68 games for the Warriors over two seasons, he has seen enough to know that this is the place where he wants to retire.
“End is a bad word, but this is where I want to be done,” Butler said. “Retire here. This organization is top-tier. It’s the best. Keep it a buck. It’s the best. You’re playing with one of the greatest players ever. I’m grateful to be able to witness this. I want to be able to do my part, get this organization back on top where we belong.”
As Butler works toward full health, the Warriors are still actively building out their roster for next season. It’s a work in progress, but Jimmy is confident that they can be competitive as long as Curry is active. While their time together has been limited so far, one healthy season might be all it takes to maximize their chemistry on the court.
“It just sucks because we ain’t never really been healthy together,” Butler added. “Part of winning is being healthy. You ain’t seen us healthy at the end in the playoffs when it matters. Let’s be healthy, and then all of that [doubting] can be heard.”
The Warriors will not depend solely on Butler next season, but the timing of his return could have a major impact on where they finish in the standings. That’s why his progression will be monitored closely as the offseason rolls on. He obviously wants to return as quickly as possible, but neither he nor the Warriors is willing to skip steps or rush the process.
“I want to play as many games as I can while I can alongside Steph and [Draymond Green]. That was the reason that Joe [Lacob] and they brought me here,” Butler said. “That will be up to Rick [Celebrini] and the team downstairs. They’re incredible. Not only is Rick the best at what he does, man, he calms my nerves a lot. I really got somebody to talk to because he’s [torn his ACL] before, and he’s helped other individuals through it. I’m not going to rush it, but I know I’m going to come back ready, and I know I’m going to come back better than ever. Legitimately. I’m right back to who I’ve always been. Probably better if we was to really talk about it. I know I’m still going to be a top player whenever I get back. I have a couple of good years left in me, and we’re going to ride it until the wheels fall off.”
As a six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA player, and five-time All-Defensive star, we already know what Jimmy Butler can do when healthy. This past season, at 36, he averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 51.9% shooting and 37.6% shooting from three, all while providing steady defense on the wing.
We don’t know what his game will look like when he returns, but the Warriors clearly still believe that he’s worth keeping around. If not, they could always try their luck on the trade market, and Jimmy wouldn’t mind. At this stage, with Stephen Curry nearing the end of his career, everything is about maximizing the present and giving the beloved veteran core one more chance to make a run.
