The Golden State Warriors got some tough news Monday night. Jimmy Butler, one of their key players, suffered a serious knee injury during a game against the Miami Heat.

Butler went up for a pass while competing with Davion Mitchell. He came down awkwardly on his right knee and immediately felt the pain, ending his night. The injury was later confirmed as a torn ACL, meaning Butler will miss the rest of the season.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said the team was on edge while waiting for the MRI results. Butler stayed in good spirits after the game, but the confirmation of the ACL tear was a huge blow.

Butler had been a big reason Golden State hovered just above .500 this season. He averaged 20 points per game and played a major role in the team’s 23-15 record with him on the court. Without him, the Warriors are 2-4, and their hopes of climbing higher in the crowded Western Conference have taken a hit.

How long is Jimmy Butler out?

Recovery from an ACL tear usually takes 9 to 12 months. That means Butler could be aiming to return around the start of the next season, but there’s a chance he might miss some games in 2026-27. By then, he will be 37 years old.

This season, Butler played 38 games, averaging 31.1 minutes, 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. He shot 51.9 percent from the field, his highest mark since 2022-23, and improved his scoring by 2.5 points per game compared to last season.

Butler is entering the final year of a two-year, $111 million contract. He is set to make $56.8 million next season, which will be his age-37 campaign. His absence leaves a big hole for the Warriors, who now have to find ways to compete without one of their top stars.