Jimmy Butler Takes Major Step in ACL Recovery

The Golden State Warriors have received an encouraging Jimmy Butler update with training camp quickly approaching.

Butler is still expected to miss the beginning of the 2026-27 season as he recovers from the torn right ACL he suffered against the Miami Heat in January, but his rehabilitation continues to move in the right direction.

The 36-year-old has gradually increased his on-court workload throughout the offseason, while recent strength testing has produced positive results, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.

“Butler has been slowly increasing his on-court work while traveling the globe this summer, and the most recent strength tests on his right ACL recovery have shown notable progress, according to league sources,” Slater wrote.

Butler isn’t expected to participate fully when the Warriors begin training camp. Instead, he will continue individual court and strength work as Golden State takes a cautious approach before eventually clearing him for contact.

There have also been signs that Butler could be slightly ahead of schedule.

“Even so, sources have told ClutchPoints that Butler has not had any setbacks or limitations to this point in his recovery process,” ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote. “There have been minor hints that he is ahead of schedule and could return to the court sooner than many would’ve initially expected, but again, Golden State has not officially put a firm date on a range of when he could return.”

Christmas Day against Denver has reportedly been mentioned as a best-case scenario, but January or February remains the more realistic window.

“The best estimate one could give at this time for Butler’s return would realistically be sometime in January or February 2027,” Siegel wrote. “Whether or not he returns sooner will be fully dependent on his progress and the Warriors’ medical staff consistently evaluating him early in the season.”

Golden State has plenty riding on Butler’s recovery. The Warriors went 46-22 in regular-season games with him in the lineup before his ACL injury.

“Jimmy Butler returning to the court and actually playing at the All-Star level he was before his ACL injury may very well make or break Golden State’s season,” Siegel wrote.