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Jimmy Butler of the Golden State Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors received a message from Jimmy Butler this week.
Butler, who is recovering from the torn ACL he suffered January 19, wrote a letter to Warriors season-ticket holders reaffirming his commitment to the franchise. The letter, shared by season-ticket holder Ray Almeda, addressed the injury, the difficult season, and what comes next.
Butler made one thing clear. He will be back.
What Butler Said in His Letter
GettyJimmy Butler of the Golden State Warriors suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Butler opened by acknowledging what playing for the Warriors has meant to him.
“I have played in front of many incredible crowds over my 15 seasons in the NBA, but there was always something about playing in the Bay Area that made it feel like more than just another game,” Butler wrote. “It was always electric.”
He reflected on the trade that brought him to Golden State from the Miami Heat in February 2025. The Warriors went 23-7 with Butler down the stretch and clinched a playoff berth. They defeated the second-seeded Houston Rockets in the first round before losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games after Stephen Curry suffered a hamstring injury.
Butler described this season as a roller coaster. The Warriors were 12-4 in a 16-game stretch in mid-January before Butler tore his ACL against Miami. “I was/am devastated,” Butler wrote. “For me, for my teammates, and for all of you.”
He called playing alongside Curry an incredible experience. “Steph is truly the greatest shooter and showman of all time, and I am honored to be the Robin to his Batman,” Butler wrote.
Then he addressed what comes next.
“This story, which has been interrupted twice, is not complete. Not by a long shot,” Butler wrote. “This period is simply a part of our journey. I can’t wait to see what next season holds and will treasure the opportunity to put my jersey back on and take the court with Steph, Dray, and the rest of the guys, in front of you all.”
Butler closed the letter with a promise. “I will be back, and I need you back, too. Here’s to what’s ahead. Go Dubs.”
What This Means for the Warriors
Butler turns 37 in September.
He is recovering from a torn ACL, which typically requires 9-12 months of rehabilitation. Butler made it clear he intends to come back next season and finish what he started with the Warriors.
Golden State has one more guaranteed year with Butler, Curry, and Draymond Green under contract. All three players are entering the final year of their deals in 2026-27. The Warriors face significant roster decisions this summer, but Butler’s letter suggests he plans to be part of the equation.
Before the injury, Butler was averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. He was the Warriors’ second-leading scorer behind Curry and provided the secondary playmaking and defensive versatility Golden State has lacked for years.
The timing of the injury was devastating. The Warriors were finding their rhythm. They had figured out how to integrate Butler, Curry, and Green. The puzzle was coming together. Then Butler went down, and the season shifted.
Golden State sits at 29-27 and holds the eighth seed in the Western Conference. Without Butler, the Warriors have struggled to maintain consistency. Curry is dealing with runner’s knee and will miss at least five more games. The roster lacks the depth to survive extended absences from its two best players.
But Butler’s letter reaffirms his commitment to the franchise. He called the fans the best in the NBA. He called his teammates his brothers. And he promised to attack his rehab with singular focus.
What Comes Next for Butler and the Warriors
The Warriors face 26 more regular-season games without Butler.
They are fighting to stay in the playoff picture. The margin for error is thin. Curry’s health remains the biggest question. Kristaps Porzingis is still building his conditioning after making his debut. Green is 35 years old and no longer the defensive force he once was.
The Warriors are not the contender they hoped to be this season. But Butler’s letter suggests the window is not closed. He believes the story is not complete. He plans to return next season and finish what he started.
Whether Butler can return to the same level after a torn ACL at 37 years old remains uncertain. But his commitment to the Warriors is clear. He wants to be part of the next chapter. And he believes the best is still ahead.
Final Word for the Warriors
Jimmy Butler wrote a letter to Warriors season-ticket holders this week.
He acknowledged the disappointment of this season. He called the injury devastating. But he made one thing clear. He will be back.
Butler turns 37 in September and is recovering from a torn ACL. The road back will not be easy. But he promised to attack his rehab with singular focus. He wants to play alongside Curry and Green again. And he believes the Warriors’ story is not complete.
Golden State has one more guaranteed year with Butler, Curry, and Green under contract. The 2026-27 season will be their last chance to compete together unless the Warriors extend their deals. Butler made it clear he plans to be part of that final push.
The Warriors are struggling without him this season. But Butler’s letter suggests he is not done writing his story in Golden State. He will be back. And he needs the fans back, too.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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