Warriors Announce Troubling Jimmy Butler News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 5:11 PM ET

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler is entering his first full season with the team, following a midseason trade from the Miami Heat. Despite the aging core, Butler along with superstar Steph Curry will be expected to headline a talented Warriors squad with the intent of being competitive in a loaded Western Conference.

Butler fit right into Golden State after joining last year, emerging as a perfect secondary scoring option behind Curry. Butler enjoyed another productive season with the Heat and Warriors last year, playing 31.7 minutes and averaging 17.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.4 steals over 55 games. The 36-year-old forward will look to be even more comfortable in Steve Kerr’s offense with a full preseason of workouts and practice.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10)© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

As the Warriors prepare for their season opener on Tuesday, Oct. 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers, Butler has been active in the preseason. However, after appearing in the first two games, he was absent from the Warriors’ third matchup against the Lakers on Sunday, with Kerr noting it was an excused absence.

On Monday, Warriors revealed via Kerr that Butler had suffered an ankle sprain in practice last Friday that is still affecting him. The team remains hopeful he can return for Friday’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Clippers. “Jimmy Butler is out tomorrow night in Portland now. He had an ankle sprain in practice on Friday. Steve Kerr said team thought it was minor, but it remains a little swollen. Hope is he returns for Friday’s preseason finale,” wrote ESPN’s Anthony Slater.

Butler’s status will be monitored as the regular season approaches. If the ankle continues to bother him, Kerr would likely turn to Jonathan Kuminga to step in.

Jimmy Butler is out tomorrow night in Portland now. He had an ankle sprain in practice on Friday. Steve Kerr said team thought it was minor, but it remains a little swollen. Hope is he returns for Friday’s preseason finale.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 13, 2025

Butler will be entering his 15th season in the NBA this year, having built a reputation as one of the league’s most tenacious and versatile stars. Over his career, Butler has earned six All-Star selections, five All-NBA honors and five All-Defensive team nods, showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor. He was drafted 30th overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2011 and quickly rose from a defensive specialist to a franchise focal point.

Known for his clutch performances and relentless work ethic, Butler has consistently elevated his play in the postseason, averaging 21.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game across multiple playoff runs. His leadership, toughness and ability to take over games in critical moments have made him one of the most respected veterans in the league.

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

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