Jimmy Butler Sends Message After Retirement Announcement

Jimmy Butler's recovery timeline creates uncertainty despite proven multi-category production when available.© Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jimmy Butler Sends Message After Retirement Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jul 8, 2026 11:57 AM ET

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Jimmy Butler’s 2025-26 season came to a heartbreaking end far earlier than he had envisioned. After helping transform the Golden State Warriors into a legitimate Western Conference contender in his first season, Butler suffered a season-ending Achilles injury season-ending torn right ACL during a January victory over his former team, the Miami Heat.

The injury ended Golden State’s championship hopes and has also cast uncertainty over Butler’s future as he turns 37 in September.

As Butler continues his rehabilitation, questions have emerged about what lies ahead. There has been growing speculation around the Warriors’ long-term plans, although general manager Mike Dunleavy confirmed a potential February timeline and has set clear expectations for Butler’s return.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) looks on before a game.© David Gonzales-Imagn Images

While Butler remains focused on returning healthy at some point next season, one of his closest friends and former teammates officially brought his own NBA career to an end.

Kyle Lowry announced his retirement on Tuesday, officially ending a remarkable 20-year NBA career by signing a ceremonial one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors. The announcement prompted tributes from across the basketball world, with Butler also sending a message to the veteran guard on Instagram.

“Not much to say. but THANK YOU! for always being there for me. for being the best godfather to my baby girl. for being a legit brother to me. for helping me navigate through it all! CONGRATS! love you my rich BROTHER! ❤️❤️❤️”

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Butler and Lowry were teammates for three seasons in Miami. Together, they helped the franchise reach the 2023 NBA Finals, where the Heat defeated the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals before falling to the Denver Nuggets.

Lowry retires with a résumé that leaves little doubt about his legacy. The former Villanova standout played earned six All-Star selections, won an NBA championship with Toronto in 2019, captured an Olympic gold medal with Team USA, and finishes as the Raptors’ all-time leader in assists, steals and three-pointers made. Toronto has already announced that his No. 7 jersey will be retired during the 2026-27 season.

Butler has also built an outstanding résumé that includes six All-Star appearances, five All-NBA selections and two NBA Finals trips, but an NBA championship has remained elusive. He’ll hope a healthy return next season gives him another opportunity to chase the one accomplishment still missing from an already outstanding career.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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