The injury has dominated the talk around Golden State this season, and Butler briefly stirred online chatter when a report labeled him doubtful for the Play-In, though he remains out and did not participate in the club’s last game or Friday’s showdown with the Suns.
Butler tore his ACL on January 19 against the Miami Heat, underwent ACL repair surgery on February 9, and has been sidelined since. Typical ACL recoveries span roughly eight to 12 months, with Butler’s camp signaling a longer path back, given his age and the Warriors’慎慎 approach to rehabbing a multi-month layoff.
Publicly, the timeline for Butler’s return remains fluid. Some outlets have suggested the recovery could push him back to the back end of next season, while others have indicated he may miss a significant portion of start-of-next-season action as Golden State readies for 2026-27 without him.
Before the injury, Butler was a key contributor in his first full season with Golden State, averaging about 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game in 38 appearances. His absence has left the team without one of its core veterans as it navigates a season already marked by injuries.
In the meantime, Butler has been seen around the Warriors’ facility and at games, walking without crutches and attending key moments from the bench. He issued a message to Warriors fans through his rehab, emphasizing his commitment to the process, and he remains on track to be with the team for the Play-In matchup but without a firm return date. The Play-In tip-off against the Suns is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT, and Butler will be present in a supportive role as Golden State pursues advancement.
