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Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler is out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season after suffering a torn ACL, his agent confirmed.
Butler’s injury occurred during Monday night’s game against the Miami Heat.
It was a 135-112 victory for Golden State, but the price to pay was high given Butler’s star status.
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Jimmy Butler III of the Golden State Warriors is helped off the court after colliding with Davion Mitchell #45 of the Miami Heat and injuring his knee during the third quarter at Chase Center on January 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, told ESPN that the injury was a “punch,” but he remained optimistic for the 36-year-old’s future.
“I firmly believe that this is part of the journey and we can’t expect to get only the good things out of it,” Lee told the outlet. “We’ve seen life happen to countless other people and now it’s their turn to deal with it. That’s how life works.
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“I’ve known for over 10 years now that Jimmy is going to win a championship before he’s done. My belief in that is unwavering.”
Butler also spoke about his injury in a positive light despite the situation, saying in an Instagram post that he would be “back before you know it.”
Jimmy Butler III of the Golden State Warriors is watched by Stephen Curry #30 and Quinten Post #21 after colliding with Davion Mitchell #45 of the Miami Heat and injuring his knee during the third quarter at Chase Center on January 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The injury occurred in the third quarter of the Warriors-Heat contest Monday night, where Butler caught a pass near the hoop, but it landed awkwardly on his right leg. He fell to the field immediately after contact, and although a foul was called, it did not recover.
Butler grabbed his right knee and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr called a timeout to watch his All-Star forward.
Butler was screaming in pain, showing that the injury was quite serious. After a while, Butler was helped off the court by a few Warriors teammates and taken to the tunnel, where he could no longer put weight on his right leg.
“I pray for the best, as far as the scans go,” Warriors star Steph Curry said at the time.
This is now a third significant knee injury for Butler, who suffered a torn meniscus in 2018 and a sprained MCL last season. And he played well for the Warriors in 37 games this season, averaging 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) injures his knee during the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Chase Center on January 19, 2026. (Kelley L Cox/Imagn Images)
The Warriors may have to make some moves if they want to make it to another NBA title. They are 25-19 after Monday night’s victory, eighth in the Western Conference.
