Jimmy Butler targets strong Golden State Warriors return after ACL injury
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler expects to return to peak form following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery and wants to finish his career with the franchise.
The experienced wing is nearing the four-month mark in his recovery after tearing his right ACL during a January victory over the Miami Heat.
He underwent surgery on 9 February and has confidently predicted a major impact upon his eventual return to the court.
“I’m right back to who I’ve always been. I know I’m still going to be a top player whenever I get back,” Butler told ESPN.
“I have a couple good years left in me, and we’re going to ride it until the wheels fall off.”
Committing to the Warriors
The outspoken star was speaking in San Francisco at a corporate event for the California-based organisation.
During the panel, the 36-year-old expressed a strong desire to permanently remain alongside team-mate Stephen Curry.
“Retire here. This organization is top tier. It’s the best,” he added.
“You’re playing with one of the greatest players ever. I want to be able to do my part, get this organization back on top where we belong.”
Impact and injury timeline
Golden State originally acquired the dynamic scorer at the February 2025 trade deadline.
His arrival immediately sparked a stunning 23-8 run that culminated in a first-round playoff upset over the Houston Rockets.
However, a hamstring injury to Curry derailed their post-season ambitions that year, resulting in a second-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“It just sucks because we ain’t never really been healthy together,” the forward noted.
“Part of winning is being healthy. You ain’t seen us healthy at the end in the playoffs when it matters.”
Disaster struck again the following season just as the newly-acquired star was averaging over 20 points per game on premium efficiency.
His awkward landing in January completely altered the team’s trajectory under head coach Steve Kerr.
Without their prized mid-season acquisition, the squad ultimately tumbled to a 37-45 finish and suffered an early elimination in the NBA play-in tournament.
When will he return?
General manager Mike Dunleavy hopes to welcome the recovering athlete back for a mid-season boost early next year.
The franchise’s director of medicine, Rick Celebrini, traditionally takes a highly cautious approach with older players in the latter stages of rehabilitation.
While team-mate De’Anthony Melton returned from a similar injury at the 12-month mark, the injured star remains optimistic for an earlier comeback.
“I mean, hell, I hope it’s early season,” he concluded.