Jimmy Butler is currently recovering from his ACL injury, but he continues to be an important part of how the team is planning its upcoming season.

The 37-year-old suffered an ACL injury during the Warriors’ game against his former team, the Miami Heat, in January 2026. He had surgery in February, and Butler has since been working on his return to the Warriors’ lineup.

At the media day, General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. had confirmed that Butler and Moses Moody, who also suffered a serious injury last season, were both not close to returning.

However, just a few weeks later, the six-time All-Star has now revealed his plans for when he wants to return to action.

Jimmy Butler has a target return date in mind

The Warriors have always looked solid with Butler on the roster. Even last season, with him in the line-up, they had a 23-15 record.

Butler is excited to replicate his brilliance with the team, and when asked about a potential target date, he said: “I know,” Butler said. “We know. Y’all just find out whenever y’all find out.”

According to ESPN, he could be available in January or February. The team is also preparing with that timeline in mind.

“We get Jimmy back around February instead of losing him in February,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “So, what’s our job? Lay the best foundation, best platform for success before that, that can put us in a good position where we’ve got momentum, and all of a sudden, we’re adding him with the playoffs coming a couple months later.”

Butler arrived in Golden State at the 2025 trade deadline. The team were 10th in the Western Conference and had a 25-24 record. However, Butler’s arrival turned things around, and they ended the season with a 23-8 record, even winning the first round of the playoffs against a strong Houston Rockets side.

Kerr will be hoping for a similar turn of events this season as well. Although he will take some time to adapt and get back to his best, Butler will continue to command respect from defenders, according to him.

“I bet y’all not going to leave me. I bet no team going to be like, ‘Oh, no, don’t guard that guy.’ They’re not going to do that. I bet whenever I step on the floor, they’re going to send more than one body. I bet you’re still going to foul me,” said Butler.