Overview
- An MRI confirmed Jimmy Butler tore the ACL in his right knee, and the Warriors said he will miss the rest of the 2025–26 season.
- Jonathan Kuminga re-entered the rotation after a month out and posted 20 points and five rebounds in 21 minutes against Toronto following his trade demand.
- General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said he does not envision trading Butler and expects him to provide a boost next season.
- The team faces three paths before the deadline: lean on Kuminga while gauging his market, explore trades involving significant contracts and future picks, or hold assets and recalibrate for the offseason.
- Analysts cite limited realistic replacements for Butler’s two-way impact under cap and tax constraints, with external chatter mentioning DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Michael Porter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, and reported interest in Kuminga from Sacramento and Dallas.