NBA: Warriors Forward Jimmy Butler III tears ACL, out for season

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a torn right ACL during Monday’s 135-112 win over the Miami Heat.

The Warriors announced Tuesday that Butler will undergo surgery, with the date to be determined.

Butler scored 17 points before injuring his right knee while diving for a loose ball under the basket with 7:41 remaining in the third quarter. The six-time All-Star collapsed to the floor in visible pain, was assisted to the locker room, and later underwent an MRI following the game.

“Obviously a gut punch on every level for Jimmy and the entire group, but I firmly believe this is part of the journey,” Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, told ESPN in a statement. “We can’t only expect to take the good things from it. I’ve known for over 10 years that Jimmy is going to win a championship before he’s done. My belief in that is unwavering.”

Despite the injury, Butler remained in good spirits and even joked with teammates while being evaluated on the court.

“He was still cracking jokes over there while he was on the ground,” Warriors star Stephen Curry told ESPN. “In true Jimmy fashion, he’s always going to have a good time no matter the situation.”

Butler later posted on Instagram, describing the injury as “general soreness” alongside a photo of himself in a military uniform. He added the caption: “Be back before you know it.”

The 36-year-old has a history of right knee issues, including a torn meniscus in February 2018 and a sprained medial collateral ligament in April 2024.

Through 38 games this season, Butler averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. A five-time All-Defensive Team selection, he is playing for his fifth NBA team in his 15-year career and owns career averages of 18.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.

Golden State extended its season-best winning streak to four games with Monday’s victory, improving to 25-19. The Warriors are eighth in the Western Conference standings, holding a play-in position and sitting 1½ games behind sixth place, the final guaranteed playoff spot.

The Warriors wrap up their eight-game homestand Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors before heading out on a four-game road trip to Dallas, Minnesota (two games), and Utah.

—Field Level Media/Reuters