Jimmy Butler injured: the Warriors explore their options before the trade deadline

Jimmy Butler’s injury completely changes the situation for the Golden State Warriors.

The 36-year-old veteran tore his right anterior cruciate ligament during the game against Miami on Monday night, ending his season and potentially compromising the start of the next one.

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Jan 20, 2026

Nicolas Flamecourt

Mike Dunleavy rules out a Jimmy Butler trade

Despite this devastating injury, general manager Mike Dunleavy was clear on Tuesday night: he is not considering trading Butler‘s contract before the February 5 trade deadline. « I’m not considering that, » Dunleavy stated. « Now that you mention it, I would say my vision for him is that he gives us a boost next year in the same way he did last year when he arrived. »

Butler, who will earn $54.1 million this season and $56.8 million the next, represented a key element of the Warriors‘ ambitions in the Western Conference. « At his age, having the year he’s had is impressive, » Dunleavy added. « I think he has a style of play that can last a long time with his skills, his physical condition, his basketball IQ. »

PLAYER PROFILE

Jimmy BUTLER

Position(s): Forward

Height: 201 cm

Age: 36 years (09/14/1989)

Nationality:

Stats 2025-2026 / NBA

PTS

20

#42

REB

5.6

#92

AST

4.8

#52

Jonathan Kuminga returns to the rotation

Butler‘s absence opens an opportunity for Jonathan Kuminga, who had requested a trade last week after being removed from the rotation. The forward immediately seized his chance on Tuesday against Toronto, scoring 20 points in 21 minutes in the 145-127 loss.

« With Jimmy out, there’s obviously a hole at that position in our roster, » explained coach Steve Kerr. « JK is going to matter here again. » Dunleavy remains pragmatic regarding Kuminga‘s situation: « When you make a demand, there needs to be demand in the market. »

Mike Dunleavy on the Jonathan Kuminga trade demand: « I’m aware of that. In terms of demands, when you make a demand there needs to be demand. » pic.twitter.com/XOGXj3HFrs

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 21, 2026

The Warriors still have two weeks before the trade deadline to evaluate their options. Dunleavy doesn’t rule out using their future first-round draft picks to get immediate help, but sets his conditions: « If we’re talking about trading draft picks that will come out when Steph is no longer there, we’ll need to get back a player who will be there. » With Stephen Curry aging, every decision becomes crucial to maximize what remains of the Warriors‘ title window.