Golden State Warriors star forward Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending torn right ACL in a 135-112 win over the Miami Heat on Monday night, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
An MRL after the game confirmed the ACL tear.
Jimmy Butler Helped Off Court Against Heat
Butler sustained the injury at the 7:41 mark of the third quarter. His knee buckled upon landing after catching a pass in the middle of the paint and colliding with Heat guard Davion Mitchell.
He eventually was pulled to his feet by teammates and slowly helped to the locker room, unable to put weight on his right leg while he “laughed with officials that he was owed two free throws,” per ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
“He was still cracking jokes over there while he was on the ground,” Warriors guard Stephen Curry said. “In true Jimmy fashion, he’s always gonna have a good time no matter what the situation is.”
Butler has a history of right knee injuries. He tore his right meniscus in 2018 and sprained his MCL in 2024.
According to Basketball Reference, Butler entered Monday averaging 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 31.4 minutes per contest on 51.9/38.1/86.2 shooting in 37 games.
Heat Traded Butler To Warriors Last Season
Golden State acquired Butler from the Heat in a trade deal last February. As part of the agreement, the six-time All-Star signed a two-year, $111 million contract extension.
Butler is making $54.1 million this season and will earn $56.8 million in 2026-27.
The Warriors (25-19) have won 12 of their past 16 games.
Golden State was already dealing with injuries to Draymond Green (right ankle sprain) and Gui Santos (left ankle sprain), as the team still sits eighth in the Western Conference standings.
Butler’s injury could create a new opportunity for Jonathan Kuminga, who demanded a trade on Jan 15, the first day he became trade eligible from the contract he signed during the offseason as a restricted free agent.
The 6-foot-7 wing hasn’t played since Dec. 18 at Philadelphia.
