Steve Kerr Announces Jimmy Butler News on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 14, 2025 9:10 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors are heading into the 2025–26 regular season with hopes of remaining competitive in a loaded Western Conference. The new core of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green will have their first full offseason together to prepare for a deep postseason run. Golden State looked like a different team last year following Butler’s arrival at the halfway point from the Miami Heat, going 23–7 with him during the regular season. They emerged as legitimate contenders in the playoffs before Curry’s injury led to the shorthanded Warriors being eliminated.

Butler was an outstanding secondary playmaker for Golden State during his first stretch with team. He posted 20.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists in his final eight regular-season games while averaging 34.4 minutes per night. While questions remain about the durability and ceiling of the Warriors’ aging core, the team still expects to be competitive in Butler’s first full season with the franchise.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (10)© John Hefti-Imagn Images

As Butler prepares for the regular season, the 36-year-old forward had been participating in the team’s preseason games. Butler has played two games, logging 30 minutes across both matchups as he ramps his workload. However, on Sunday, Warriors coach Steve Kerr revealed that Butler has been dealing with an ankle sprain suffered in practice. While initially believed to be minor, Kerr shared that Butler would miss a second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers raising concern.

Fortunately for Golden State, Kerr announced another subsequent update on Tuesday revealing that Butler’s MRI was positive. “It was clean…We’re not concerned,” Kerr said (h/t ESPN’s Anthony Slater). Butler being at full health will be huge for the Warriors as his durability has been a concern the past four seasons, frequently missing stretches due to injury and rest management.

Jimmy Butler got an MRI on his ankle yesterday, per Kerr. “It was clean…We’re not concerned.”
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 15, 2025

When Butler is on the court, his impact is undeniable. Now entering his 15th NBA season, Butler has built a reputation as a playoff riser with impact on both ends of the floor. Across stints for five teams, the veteran has collected six All-Star selections, five All-Defensive honors and five All-NBA honors. He has also collected the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals MVP. While he did lead Miami to the NBA Finals twice, Butler is still searching for his first championship. Time is running out for the veteran, yet he will still have a good opportunity this year with the Warriors.

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

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