Jimmy Butler Targets January or February Return for Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler aims for a January or February return from an ACL tear. The veteran forward faces a cautious rehabilitation process led by Rick Celebrini.
The most optimistic projections for Jimmy Butler's return to the court point to January or February, meaning the Golden State Warriors star will be sidelined for nearly another half a year. The veteran forward is gradually increasing his on-court activity while traveling worldwide this summer, and recent strength tests during his rehabilitation from a torn right anterior cruciate ligament showed significant progress, according to league sources.
However, Butler still faces a long road ahead in his recovery. According to sources, when training camp opens in about a month, the 36-year-old forward is expected to be limited to individual on-court workouts and strength training, and he will need additional time before receiving clearance to participate in full-contact practices.
A return in January or February could be considered an optimistic target, but several stages and medical evaluations must still be passed before Butler receives such clearance.
Butler was acquired by the Warriors in a February 2025 trade to help Stephen Curry bring another championship back to the Bay Area. Last season, he managed 38 appearances for Golden State, averaging 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals in 31.1 minutes per game.
Reports in the United States noted overnight that the chief medical decision-maker for the Golden State Warriors, Rick Celebrini, is known for his cautious approach.
