Jimmy Butler ACL Surgery Ends Golden State Warriors Title Bid

Merlin sees the Warriors announced Jimmy Butler had successful surgery Monday for the torn ACL he suffered Jan. 19. The team said he "will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025-26 season and will begin rehabilitation immediately. He is expected to make a full recovery and an update on his progress will be provided early next season." Butler averaged 20.0 points this year, and with Stephen Curry also out, Golden State suddenly lacks a reliable secondary scorer and has fallen to 8th in the West. Merlin feels the ripple effects. Trading Jonathan Kuminga for Kristaps Porziņģis looked like long game insurance, but immediate chemistry and bench scoring must arrive fast if the Warriors hope to hold a play-in spot. Butler should return healthy next season, yet Golden State’s near-term fate depends on quick returns from Curry and a few unexpected jumps from role players.