Devastating news struck the Golden State Warriors on Monday night as star forward Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending torn right ACL during their 135-112 win over the Miami Heat at Chase Center, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. 

The injury marks one of the most significant blows to the Warriors’ 2025-26 campaign, who have championship expectations around the core of superstar Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler.

Butler went down in the third quarter after catching a pass in the paint and landing awkwardly, immediately clutching his knee and unable to put weight on his leg. After being helped off the court by teammates, an MRI confirmed the worst-case scenario: a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and thus likely ending his season.

The 36-year-old had been a stabilizing force for Golden State this season, averaging 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists on efficient shooting before the injury. He quickly became a key co-star alongside Stephen Curry, uplifting the Warriors’ offense and contributing to a recent 12-4 stretch and winning the last 4 games that pushed them into the top-6 seed race in the Western Conference. 

His absence leaves a significant void – both in scoring and leadership – at a critical point of the season, when Golden State had begun building momentum and was inside play-in/playoff positioning. With the trade deadline approaching (Feb. 5) and roster options limited, the Warriors now face tough decisions and ramifications about how to retool around Curry without Butler.

This is the most serious knee injury of Butler’s career, which includes past knee issues (such as a meniscus tear and MCL sprain in previous seasons) and his teammates, including Stephen Curry, expressed concern and support after the injury, with the Warriors’ locker room described as subdued in the aftermath.

Butler’s season-ending injury represents a major shift for Golden State. The Warriors were building momentum and finding balance this season, but losing a secondary star and veteran leader could derail their path to deep playoff contention. The situation may also influence how the team approaches the trade deadline, rotation roles, and long-term strategy as they attempt to stay competitive and support Curry’s remaining prime years and championship window.