Warriors Announce Jimmy Butler Development Before Lakers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 4:08 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors are heading into the 2025–26 season with expectations to compete for an NBA championship despite the aging core of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. Although the trio is entering the latter stages of their careers, Butler's fit as a secondary playmaker behind Curry and a strong defender alongside Green proved undeniable last season following his arrival from the Miami Heat.

Butler remains one of the league's most exciting two-way players as he enters his 15th NBA season. The 36-year-old wing appeared in 30 regular season games for the Warriors last year, averaging 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.7 steals in 32.7 minutes per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 27.9% from three-point range.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10)© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

As Butler gets ready for Tuesday’s regular season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, questions around his status have emerged. He suffered an ankle sprain that sidelined him for Golden State's final three preseason games. While the Warriors initially expected a quick recovery, the swelling worsened, delaying Butler's return to the lineup.

Fortunately, Butler has progressed in his recovery and received an update on his status, according to Ron Kroichick of The San Francisco Chronicle. After going through practice on Monday, Kerr announced that Butler had been upgraded to probable, along with his teammate Jonathan Kuminga, who had also been dealing with an ankle injury. This is great news for the Warriors, as Moses Moody had been ruled out and their depth would have been especially tested if Butler was unable to go.

Warriors are upgrading both Jimmy Butler (ankle) and Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) to probable for tomorrow night’s season opener vs. Lakers, per Steve Kerr. He expects Butler and Kuminga to play.
— Ron Kroichick (@ronkroichick) October 20, 2025

As Butler prepares for his first full season with Golden State, his status and workload will be closely monitored. The Warriors mark the fifth organization he has played for, joining a franchise that has enjoyed sustained playoff success under Kerr and Curry. Butler's arrival is significant, given his reputation as a postseason performer.

A six-time All-Star with five All-Defensive and five All-NBA selections, Butler helped lead the Miami Heat to two NBA Finals appearances but fell short of a championship. Now with Golden State, he continues the search for his first NBA title.

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

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