Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler is questionable for the start of the team’s three-game East Coast road trip against his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, on Thursday after leaving Tuesday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder with left knee soreness.
However, Butler is not expected to miss significant time, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, who reported that the injury is considered minor.
“His knee injury isn’t believed to be serious,” Slater wrote. “His status for Thursday’s game in Philadelphia is to be determined, but Butler shouldn’t miss much (if any) time.”
Butler played the first half of Golden State’s 124–112 defeat to Oklahoma City before being ruled out. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr admitted he was caught off guard by the development.
“I didn’t even know [he was out] until I was drawing up a play,” Kerr said. “Somebody came in the huddle and said Jimmy is down.”
Injuries Continue to Pile Up for Warriors
Butler entered Tuesday’s matchup already dealing with a glute contusion, adding to a growing list of early-season nagging issues that have included ankle and back soreness. The veteran-heavy Warriors, who have stumbled to an 11–11 record through 22 games, are now managing multiple rotation concerns.
The Warriors have five players listed as questionable for the matchup in Philadelphia, including Jonathan Kuminga (ankle), Al Horford (sciatica), Quinten Post (ankle), and Trayce Jackson-Davis (knee).
Meanwhile, franchise star Stephen Curry did not travel with the team and will be reevaluated on Thursday as he continues his recovery process from a quad injury.
There was, however, a bright spot: the expected season debut of guard De’Anthony Melton, who has been cleared after missing 12 months recovering from ACL surgery on Dec. 4, 2024. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Melton is expected to suit up in Philadelphia, where he will face his former team.
Warriors’ Slow Start Reignites Trade Rumors as NBA Deadline Approaches
Golden State’s inconsistent first quarter of the season has rekindled major trade speculation, especially as the league approaches the unofficial start of trade season in mid-December. With the Warriors hovering around .500 and their championship window potentially narrowing, front-office attention has shifted toward the possibility of pursuing a franchise-altering superstar.
That opportunity may soon present itself.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have opened discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks regarding the two-time MVP’s future. The Bucks’ disappointing 9–13 start has raised questions about the team’s long-term trajectory.
“A resolution is expected in the coming weeks,” Charania posted on X.
Warriors Positioned as Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Suitor
The Warriors are viewed as one of the best-equipped teams to pursue Antetokounmpo should Milwaukee explore trade scenarios. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Golden State’s combination of movable first-round picks and young talent positions them ahead of rival suitors such as the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks.
“We’re talking four or five first-round picks and good young players — which the Lakers simply don’t have,” Shelburne said on ESPN LA 710 – Los Angeles.
Golden State can reportedly offer three first-round picks (2026, 2028, 2031 or 2032) and multiple developing assets — a package rival executives believe could outbid the Lakers and potentially challenge proposals from teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.
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