Warriors Make Jimmy Butler Announcement After Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 9:22 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors are becoming more consistent as the NBA season hits its halfway mark, having won seven of their last 10 games. They have beaten teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers during that span.

Both Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler have been pivotal in the Warriors' recent success. Butler, in particular, is averaging 20.1 points on 51.9% shooting, along with 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists. He also leads the Warriors in steals with 1.4 per game.

Ahead of the Warriors' game against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, the team listed Butler as a starter. The Dubs have won two straight, and with Curry and Butler in tow, they were poised to extend that winning run.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) looks on during a game.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Unfortunately, the Warriors suddenly removed Butler from the starting lineup and officially ruled him out before the game.

Golden State cited "Personal Reasons" for Butler's absence, although it didn't provide any specifics.

Jimmy Butler III (personal reasons) is out for tonight’s game.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) January 18, 2026

Butler was also not on the Warriors' bench as the game started, sparking questions about the nature of his sudden exit.

Steve Kerr put rookie guard Will Richard in the starting lineup as Butler's replacement. The rest of the starters remained unchanged, with Curry, Draymond Green , Quinten Post and Moses Moody getting the nod.

More details about Butler's late scratch are expected to come out after the game.

Prior to Saturday, Butler had only missed five games this 2025-26 season due to various injuries.

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

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