Overview
- Butler injured his right knee mid–third quarter against Miami after contact with Davion Mitchell, then was helped off by teammates and could not put weight on the leg.
- The team announced an ACL rupture in the right knee that will require surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
- Reporting cites rehabilitation estimates of roughly 8 to 12 months, with some projections suggesting a return could slip into early 2027.
- With Butler sidelined, the Warriors are evaluating internal adjustments and exploring trade possibilities ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, with media speculation linking names such as DeMar DeRozan and Anthony Davis.
- Before the injury Butler averaged about 20 points with key two-way impact, and both Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr voiced concern, with Curry noting Butler was still joking on the floor after the fall.