Warriors Announce Jimmy Butler News Before Lakers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 19, 2025 4:54 PM ET

Jimmy Butler is gearing up for his 15th NBA season and his first full campaign with the Golden State Warriors. The 36-year-old veteran is expected to continue serving as Golden State’s secondary scoring option behind superstar Stephen Curry. Butler fit seamlessly into the Warriors system following his arrival from the Miami Heat in February, helping the team win 23 out of 30 regular season games with him on the court and fueling a playoff run that ultimately ended after Curry suffered a left hamstring strain.

Butler will look to reaffirm his status as one of the league’s top players after averaging 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. He will also aim to improve his three-point shooting, having hit just 27.9% from deep with Golden State last season. However, he is not expected to take many perimeter shots given Curry's dominant presence beyond the arc.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10)© David Gonzales-Imagn Images

As Butler prepares for the season opener on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers, his availability has become a concern. Butler suffered an ankle sprain that has forced him to miss Golden State’s final three postseason games. Warriors coach Steve Kerr initially believed Butler would recover quickly, yet the swelling progressed.

Fortunately for the Warriors, Butler seems to have made strides and scrimmaged on Sunday. Ahead of Wednesday’s matchup with Los Angeles, Kerr noted that Butler, along with his teammate Jonathan Kuminga, would both be listed as questionable with the expectation to suit up, reported Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area.

Moses Moody (calf) is officially OUT for the regular season opener @NBCSWarriors

Jimmy Butler (ankle) and Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) will both be questionable with the expectation being they’ll be able to play
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) October 19, 2025

This is an exciting development for Golden State, especially with the team already set to be without Moses Moody on Wednesday. The Warriors do not have elite depth, a weakness that became clear once Curry went down with an injury during last year's playoffs. Butler will continue to push to stay on the court as much as possible. His availability remains crucial as he enters the later stages of his career, and Golden State will likely need to manage his minutes carefully, balancing rest and recovery to keep him ready for the playoffs while still contributing during the regular season.

Butler's career accomplishments are extensive. He was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP in 2023 with Miami and has consistently elevated his play in the postseason. He led the league in steals in 2020–21, won Most Improved Player in 2014–15 and has earned six All-Star selections, five All-NBA honors and five All-Defensive nods. Considered one of the most complete players in the league, Butler will look to help the Warriors stay competitive despite being part of an aging core.

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

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