The early returns that suggested a championship-caliber pairing between Butler and Curry never fully materialized. The season ended before that potential could be fully explored.
On Thursday, Butler stepped into the public eye for the first major appearance since the injury, sharing the stage with Warriors owner Joe Lacob at a team sponsorship event. The dialogue quickly shifted from business to basketball.
Butler made clear his expectations for the 2026-27 season with a straightforward, unambiguous stance. When asked about how the next campaign could unfold with Curry on the court, Butler did not mince words: “We’ve got Steph on our team? We’re going to win.” He added a high regard for Curry, calling him one of the greatest players in the game and noting that his skill alone can change a game. Butler emphasized that having Curry on the floor always keeps the team in the mix.
This conviction isn’t new. Butler arrived in Golden State in February 2025 with a clear objective: to win a championship. He immediately helped guide the team through a 19-2 surge, a run that offered a glimpse of the potential two-way chemistry Butler and Curry could develop in a short time. That period stands as the only extended sample of their combined impact, a concise snapshot that was unfortunately interrupted by the ACL injury.
Butler is not downplaying the injury; rather, he is affirming his belief in what the team can achieve when healthy. He remains optimistic about the core’s potential and what a healthy, dynamic mix of players could accomplish.
Recovery is progressing, with Butler indicating that the rehabilitation is ahead of his anticipated pace. He expects to be back to running in roughly six weeks, signaling a midseason return. The mental challenge of rehabilitation has been substantial, as daily life has changed in ways beyond basketball. Nevertheless, his competitive edge remains intact. He has been able to dunk off a single leg during rehab and is shooting threes from a seated position, although clearance to land on the surgically repaired knee is still pending.
Speculation about Butler’s contract and future with the team has persisted during his recovery. The final year of his contract carries a substantial near-$57 million value, a figure that could factor into future trade plans if the Warriors chose to pivot. Butler has made it clear that he does not want to be anywhere else, describing Golden State as the best organization he has been a part of in 16 years in the league, highlighting the culture and the people as distinguishing features.
The front office has been active, adding wing Yaxel Lendeborg at 11th overall in the draft and bringing in veteran Al Horford to a two-year deal. With significant financial flexibility below the league’s first luxury-tax threshold, the Warriors possess room to maneuver before the season begins, leaving open the possibility of further moves.
Final thoughts on the Warriors’ outlook center on health. The most telling glimpse of what the team can be when fully healthy came during the early stretch with Butler and Curry. Their limited time together showcased a compelling blueprint for a high-impact, two-way roster, underscoring how pivotal health is to realizing that potential.
If Butler returns to form and the Warriors can maintain a healthy core, the organization could again position itself as a strong postseason contender. The coming season will reveal whether the short window of promise seen in that early run can be sustained, expanded, and transformed into a lasting championship pursuit. The collaboration between Butler and Curry, when both are on the floor, offers a blueprint for what the Warriors might achieve, provided health permits it.
