Warriors Facing Trade Decision After Jimmy Butler News

Robert Edwards-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Warriors Facing Trade Decision After Jimmy Butler News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Nov 7, 2026 9:53 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors face an important trade decision as they continue winning without Jimmy Butler. Golden State has won six consecutive games after an 0-3 start, with Stephen Curry leading the way despite several key injury absences.

Butler has been sidelined since tearing his right ACL on Jan. 19. The injury required surgery and ended his 2025-26 season, but the Warriors have continued to plan around his eventual return. ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported in October that the forward could return around January or February 2027.

There was a notable update on Butler before Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and forward Jimmy Butler (10).Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Head coach Steve Kerr said Butler had worked out in his full Warriors uniform. After the workout, Butler walked into the locker room wearing the team’s white home uniform, suggesting that his recovery is progressing (h/t Kenzo Fukuda of ClutchPoints).

The latest development does not mean he is close to returning to game action, and the Warriors have not announced a firm timetable.

Steve Kerr, pre-game, said Jimmy Butler worked out in his full Warriors uniform. Lo and behold, Butler, fresh from a workout, walked into the locker room in the full home whites. Looked like he got a good sweat in, a sign that his recovery is ramping up.
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) November 8, 2026

Butler’s return, however, could influence Golden State’s approach to the trade market. The front office will have to decide whether Butler’s return gives the Warriors enough to make a serious push with their current group or whether they need another major addition before the trade deadline.

The Warriors are 46-22 when he plays, giving the front office reason to believe that getting him back alongside Curry could significantly strengthen the team.

That could make the Warriors more inclined to trust their current roster rather than give up valuable assets for another star. However, if the front office believes the team needs more help to contend, it has the resources to pursue a major trade.

San Francisco Standard columnist Tim Kawakami reported that Golden State has more than $100 million in expiring contracts and future draft picks it could package if a star becomes available. Whether or not the Warriors decide to make that push for another star to complement Curry and Butler remains to be seen.

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

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