Jimmy Butler Says Rehab Is Ahead of Schedule as Warriors Weigh Roster Options
His steady recovery raises the prospect of a midseason return that could force Golden State to choose between waiting for Butler or using his expiring contract to change the roster.
Overview
- On Sunday, June 28, Butler told reporters he is about six weeks from running at full speed during rehab from right ACL reconstruction and is pleased with his progress.
- Team doctors and trainers still favor a cautious timeline and view an early February return as the realistic target, citing Rick Celebrini’s conservative approach and De’Anthony Melton’s year-long ACL recovery as precedent.
- Butler publicly said he wants to finish his career with the Warriors and that he expects to remain a top player when he returns.
- Golden State has made trade inquiries using Butler’s expiring contract and is reportedly exploring similar options now, a choice that gains urgency because Butler becomes extension-eligible on February 6, 2027.
- What to watch: the Warriors’ next roster moves will hinge on medical checkpoints and front-office evaluations, and either a midseason Butler return or a trade could materially change the team’s short-term championship window.