Copyright Athlon Sports
Jimmy Butler is off to a strong start in his first full season with the Golden State Warriors. The 36-year-old veteran, acquired from the Miami Heat in February, has quickly proven to be a seamless fit alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Butler brings dependable perimeter defense, steady playmaking and serves as a reliable secondary scoring option next to Curry. Through his first seven games of the 2025–26 season, Butler is shooting 49.4% from the field while averaging 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He has also shown notable improvement from beyond the arc, knocking down 50.0% of his three-point attempts. Now in his 15th NBA season, Butler continues to defy age and expectations, showing no signs of slowing down. As the Warriors prepare for Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, Butler appeared on the team’s official injury report. He had previously dealt with a sprained left ankle just days before the regular season opener but recovered in time and has not missed a single game this year for Golden State. However, the team announced Butler suffered a different setback. He is now dealing with right lower back soreness and has been downgraded to questionable for Tuesday’s matchup against Phoenix. The Warriors are heading into a back-to-back with a road game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. Butler may sit out one of the two contests to manage his recovery. “Jimmy Butler has been added to the injury report tonight vs Suns. Questionable with lower back soreness. Front side of a back-to-back for the Warriors (at Kings tomorrow),” reported Anthony Slater of ESPN, confirming the development on X. Butler’s health will be a key storyline for Golden State throughout the season, given the mileage he has accumulated over his career. The Warriors will need him at full strength when the playoffs arrive. If Butler misses time, Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski are expected to take on larger roles and help carry the offensive load. A six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection and five-time All-Defensive honoree, Butler has built a reputation as one of the league’s most respected two-way players. He is still searching for his first NBA title. Butler reached the NBA Finals twice with the Heat but fell short both times. Now paired with proven winners like Curry, Green and head coach Steve Kerr, he is hoping this season ends differently. At 36 years old, time is not on his side.
