“Feel like I just had surgery on my ACL five weeks ago,” Butler said while seated at his locker, his two silver crutches tucked right beside him. “All in all, I’m good. Happy.” Butler’s words were the opposite of what his knees suggested.

With his legs stretched out, the long scars running across the swollen, surgically repaired right knee were visible, the same knee that had surgery on February 9, a clear sign that Butler was still in the early stages of the long recovery process required after an ACL tear.

Butler misses the Warriors

During this process, which is still in its early stage as mentioned, Butler is only beginning his physical recovery, though the mental side is also important. Butler appeared to be in good spirits, but it was clear he missed being around his teammates.

“[It’s been] tough not being around my guys,” Butler said of his last five weeks. “Hard not being able to play the game I love. And not being able to travel. Tough, but the rehab has been going. We’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing to try to get back on the timeline.”

But like the positive and introspective person Butler has always been, he kept his perspective on the situation. “It’s not all bad, I still get to tell people I’m an NBA player. So I’m happy about that,” Butler said before gesturing toward two-way players Nate Williams and Malevy Leons, two lockers over.

“There are still some wonderful guys who are taking advantage of their opportunity, with some guys being down. That was me at one point back in my Chicago days. So I get very happy, and it makes me smile when I see people play well. And then, you know, I got my family around, kids around. And then I just know that I’m working back towards something. So it all keeps you in perspective.”

The Warriors miss Butler

The Golden State Warriors have gone 7-16 since Butler tore his ACL against the Miami Heat on January 19. Shortly after Butler went down, Stephen Curry followed with patellofemoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in his knee. Without their two NBA stars, the Warriors have fallen to ninth in the West. With injuries affecting other players across the roster, they are also in danger of slipping further to tenth with the Portland Trail Blazers close behind.

“I’m just trying to really fire the guys up,” Kerr told hosts Mark Willard and Dan Dibley. “We were, I thought, demoralized at times [against Chicago]. The Bulls had a big run at the end of the second quarter and I could just feel the air leaving our balloon.”

“Without Steph, without Jimmy, I think I have to take on more responsibility, just keeping the guys’ spirits up, that sort of thing. So, that’s probably what you were looking at.” Kerr said this after responding to a question about his animated reaction to a three-pointer from Kristaps Porzingis late in the third quarter of Tuesday night’s home loss.

The absences of Butler and Curry take their toll

Curry has missed the last 15 games due to a persistent runner’s knee injury and will miss at least 10 more following the latest injury update, while continuing to work toward his return.

Butler, meanwhile, tore his right ACL on January 19, which ended his season. The Warriors have not won consecutive games since then, forcing Kerr to try everything possible to revive the team’s campaign.

Kerr and the Warriors miss the duo

The absence of Curry and Butler has clearly been felt across the roster. The Warriors are currently relying on a lineup featuring Gui Santos, Draymond Green, Al Horford, Will Richard or Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski, as seen in their most recent game at Chase Center against the Bulls. This group has struggled with inconsistency and frequent changes due to injuries and tactical adjustments.

That situation has created further problems, as the starting rotations continue to change. At times, players such as De Anthony Melton, Quinten Post and Pat Spencer have been involved, while Porzingis, who arrived to reinforce the defensive area and the paint, has yet to make a significant impact due to injuries.

Golden State banked enough early-season wins to keep the team a level above the bottom of the NBA Western Conference and in line for a potential play-in tournament berth. However, as Kerr acknowledged, any ambitions beyond that remain unlikely without his two best players available.

“We’re just at a place where our margin for error is really slim,” Kerr told Willard and Dibley. “Very frustrating, but our guys are playing hard and competing and giving [themselves] a chance every night. But there’s no doubt [Curry and Butler]…we needed them and we didn’t get them, so it puts us in a tough spot.”

“He’s my guy,” Alcaraz told reporters following his clinical win over the veteran Bulgarian. “I knew he was coming. He reached out and told me, ‘I’m doing my rehab nearby, so I’m going to show up to watch you.’ I was just really, really happy that after everything he’s been through with the surgery and the knee, he was able to make it out to my match.”

Butler was seen cheering from the stands at Indian Wells, a notable public appearance as he navigates a grueling recovery from a torn right ACL. The injury, sustained in January, prematurely ended his first full season with the Warriors, but his presence in “Tennis Paradise” underscored a high-profile friendship with Alcaraz that has become a recurring theme on the ATP Tour.

“I really appreciate that. I don’t get to see him very often, but the fact that he’s making the effort to come over means a lot,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on the support from the six-time NBA All-Star. “I’m just really happy about it.”

Alcaraz breaks down tactics against Dimitrov

While the scoreline suggested a straightforward afternoon, Alcaraz was quick to praise his opponent’s craftiness. The Spaniard used his post-match media availability to break down the adjustments required to neutralize one of the most aesthetic games on tour.

“His style is incredibly dangerous. I had to stay disciplined early, controlling the rallies when he tried to step in and dictate with the slice,” Alcaraz explained. “In these windy conditions, today’s win was even tougher than usual. I think I just adapted a little bit better as the match went on.”

With his perfect 13-0 start to the 2026 season intact, Alcaraz now turns his attention to a third-round clash against Arthur Rinderknech. The Frenchman advanced to the round of 32 via a walkover after Juan Manuel Cerundolo withdrew due to injury, setting up a rematch of their February encounter in Doha.

The Warriors previously traded Andrew Wiggins to the Miami Heat in order to acquire Jimmy Butler nearly a year ago. Rumors have recently suggested that a reverse scenario could emerge. Still, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported Thursday, citing a team source, that Golden State has not engaged and does not plan to engage Miami in discussions involving Wiggins.

Wiggins enjoyed a productive tenure with Golden State after arriving before the 2020 trade deadline and departing ahead of the 2025 deadline. During his time with the Warriors, he earned one All-Star selection and averaged 16.7 points while shooting 46.4 percent from the field across 307 appearances, establishing himself as a reliable two-way contributor.

In a hypothetical framework, the Warriors could have considered sending Butler back to Miami along with Jonathan Kuminga and future draft capital. However, that possibility now appears to be off the table as the organization reassesses its priorities following Butler’s injury and the evolving market conditions.

What the Warriors are looking for

Although the Warriors and their fan base maintain a strong appreciation for Wiggins, the premier target on the current trade market remains Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to Slater, the Golden State has expressed a willingness to assemble a substantial offer in pursuit of the former MVP, signaling the franchise’s continued ambition to compete at the highest level.

If the Warriors fail to land Antetokounmpo, there appears to be no alternative player on the market capable of generating the same level of asset commitment from the organization. Golden State has also been loosely linked to Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. throughout the season, but team sources have consistently downplayed the seriousness of those discussions.

Meanwhile, reports from Basketball Talk and NBC Sports suggest the Warriors are viewed by some league observers as potential frontrunners in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes due to the assets they can offer. Golden State possesses up to four future first-round draft picks, resources that represent some of the NBA franchise’s most valuable long-term tools as it balances present contention with future sustainability.

According to journalist Jake Fischer, the Warriors are exploring ways to move Jimmy Butler in a deal for Giannis, and he may not be the only player involved. Jonathan Kuminga could also be included to finalize the trade, with Butler likely being the primary sacrificial piece due to his season-ending injury.

Golden State could offer four first-round picks in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032, with the latest pick carrying extra value given that Curry turns 38 this season and Draymond Green turns 36 in March. The Warriors can also include first-round pick swaps in each of the next seven drafts, potentially adding swaps in 2027, 2029, and 2031 to sweeten the deal.

No trade could move forward without accounting for Butler’s $54.1 million salary. The Warriors may also be willing to part with Jonathan Kuminga and could include Brandin Podziemski, whose $3.7 million rookie contract adds additional flexibility to complete the deal.

What the Bucks would need to do

For the trade to work financially, Milwaukee would need to send back Kyle Kuzma’s expiring $22.5 million contract and potentially one of its smaller deals, such as point guard Cole Anthony’s sub-$3 million contract. And, of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo would be the centerpiece going to Golden State.

Additionally, if the Bucks maintain interest in Jonathan Kuminga, that could become a key factor for the Warriors. “There’s definitely been some level of interest from Milwaukee in Jonathan Kuminga in the past, so what else would that mean in terms of money going back, because Jimmy Butler and Giannis are essentially a straight salary match, meaning more money would have to come from the Bucks,” Fischer noted.

“The Golden State Warriors have had their eye on Giannis for years. He’s always been the gold standard of what their ultimate pairing would have been, not Jimmy Butler. They tried to get Kevin Durant a year ago as well. They’ve always been looking at upper-echelon superstars to pair with Steph ever since Durant left in the 2019 free agency. Giannis has been at the top of their list.”

According to Brett Siegel, the two teams did speak during the first week of 2026, but no serious trade negotiations ever materialized around Porter. Siegel reports that the Warriors internally discussed the idea of pursuing him, but quickly received indications that his asking price was significantly higher than what the broader trade market justified.

All indications coming out of Brooklyn suggest that the Nets are comfortable holding onto Porter and feel no urgency to make a deal. Rival teams continue to sense that Brooklyn views him as a focal scorer heading into the offseason, making any in-season move highly unlikely.

This situation leaves the Warriors exploring alternative paths, including the possibility of moving on from Butler despite his injury. That scenario is complicated by his age, 37, and the severity of the ACL tear, raising questions about how much value he would carry on the trade market. Still, several superstar names continue to circulate around Golden State, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.

LeBron James’ situation with the Lakers

From the Warriors’ perspective, the LeBron James situation appears increasingly favorable, although timing remains the key issue. Any realistic movement likely comes in the offseason rather than before the February 5 trade deadline. According to ESPN, Lakers star LeBron James and his agent, Rich Paul, are set to meet with team governor Jeanie Buss to clear the air following a report that creates tension within the organization.

That meeting follows reporting from Baxter Holmes, who states that Buss grows frustrated with James over several years. The report claims that the Lakers consider not re-signing James in 2022 and even explore trade scenarios, including a potential deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The situation heightens tension between the player and the NBA franchise, fueling speculation that James could eventually decide against renewing his contract. Such an outcome would open the door to a potential move involving the Warriors. However, Buss later denied having any frustration with the Lakers’ superstar, while James responded by saying he does not care about reports involving himself or the organization.

Antetokounmpo’s situation with the Bucks

The relationship between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks also continued to erode gradually over the past two years, driven by persistent rumors and public comments from both sides. According to Shams Charania, frustration surrounding Antetokounmpo is at an all-time high, with league sources suggesting that the writing is on the wall regarding his future in Milwaukee, though the timing remains uncertain.

In addition, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks intensify internal discussions about the team’s direction and long-term vision. While no immediate move appears imminent, these developments benefit the Warriors from a strategic standpoint after the injury to Butler. Any potential pursuit, however, would likely be aimed at next season rather than the current campaign.

Embiid has been upgraded to questionable, but with injuries to both knees, he might still miss his second straight game. Meanwhile, Paul George has joined him on the injury report and is officially ruled out with a left knee issue, according to Underdog NBA. The veteran forward played in the 76ers’ win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, logging 18 minutes with 11 points, five rebounds, one steal and shooting 4-for-10 from the field, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.

On the other side, Golden State has a sizable injury report going into its visit to Philadelphia on Thursday, Dec. 4. One of them, Jimmy Butler, is officially out for today’s match, according to Anthony Slater.

It will be a tough matchup for both franchises if multiple stars sit out. The 76ers still have Tyrese Maxey, who continues carrying the team and can take over games, but to beat the Warriors, he will need help. Golden State also has injury concerns, but the Warriors still delivered a strong performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder even without their top talent.

Butler’s numbers and his importance

Butler has appeared in 20 games for the Warriors this season. He is averaging 19.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5 assists while shooting 51.9% from the field and 43.9% from three. With Stephen Curry currently out, Golden State will rely heavily on Butler if they want to knock off the 76ers and bounce back. Steve Kerr’s squad enters the night with an 11-11 record.

The Warriors’ surprising rotation choices

Even without Butler in the second half, the Warriors did not use Jonathan Kuminga in the fourth quarter against the Thunder. Moses Moody played only one minute in the final frame. Pat Spencer, Seth Curry, Gary Payton II, and Buddy Hield earned extra minutes thanks to a dominant 44-point third quarter. Brandin Podziemski also played a key role, as Kerr leaned on a guard-heavy lineup that nearly snapped OKC’s win streak.

How the 76ers arrive

The 76ers enter this matchup coming off a blowout 121-102 victory over the Washington Wizards. Maxey exploded for 35 points, while Dominick Barlow and Andre Drummond each added 12 to help secure Philadelphia’s 11th win of the NBA season.

Following the defeat, Butler pointed to the team’s lack of commitment as a primary cause, delivering a strong critique of the collective effort and the failure to execute the scouting report. “We don’t box out, we don’t go with the scouting report, and we let anybody do whatever they want. Open shots, get into the paint, free throws. It’s just sad,” Butler told reporters after the game.

Butler finished the contest as the Warriors’ top scorer with 21 points, along with five rebounds and five assists, while Stephen Curry finished with 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Despite having six players score in double digits, the Warriors could not contain Reed Sheppard, who recorded a career-high 31 points along with nine rebounds and five assists.

The Warriors are now at the .500 mark with a 10-10 record and face a difficult road ahead, as they will be without Curry, who is expected to miss at least a week or more with a quad contusion, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Amid this challenge, Butler directly addressed how the team must approach the upcoming games without their superstar. “I think we’re going to have to be damn near perfect. We ain’t going to have the ultimate bailout on our team, but even when he is on the floor, we need to do our job. As great a basketball player as he is, he has a really hard job. He has to be the Batman of all Batmans and save us every night? That ain’t what he’s here to do,” Butler added.

Draymond Green calls out Warriors’ defense

The Warriors’ defensive effort has been heavily scrutinized recently, appearing disjointed on the court. Former DPOY Draymond Green did not hesitate to join the criticism of Golden State’s defense.

“Our defense is s–. It’s not necessarily the numbers,” Green told reporters after the game. “How do you feel when you’re out there? … It’s bigger than numbers… The defense is about demeanor. So if it’s letdown after letdown and it kills your demeanor, it kills your bravado, then you’re just a soft team”.

The Warriors are currently the fourth-worst team in the league in committed turnovers, averaging 15.9 per game, exposing a major weak spot in Steve Kerr’s team. Their rebounding numbers are also poor, ranking 21st with an average of 42.9 per game. These two critical defensive metrics are failing at Golden State, and Kerr must find a way to rearrange things to turn the page on their current struggles.

Butler did not mince words after the Warriors’ 127–123 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Golden State blew an 11-point lead, got crushed on the glass, and surrendered 21 offensive rebounds. His assessment was blunt: the Warriors didn’t defend, and they didn’t compete.

“We just not guarding nobody. That’s from what I can tell. I haven’t been here long, but that’s never been the formula here. Not to win a championship,” Butler said. “You gotta take each and every matchup personal. Yeah, help’s gonna be there, but we gotta do way better guarding.”

He spelled out the problem clearly when asked about Portland grabbing 21 offensive boards. “It’s everything, cuz you’re not taking anything away. You’re not taking the paint away, you’re not taking away layups, free throws, lobs, threes, so we don’t know where they’re gonna get a shot from. But tonight they was getting whatever shot they wanted.”

The Warriors’ offensive-rebounding issues

The numbers backed him up. The Blazers won the rebounding battle 52–32 and punished the Warriors with 28 second-chance points. Every time Golden State came up with a strong defensive possession, someone in a Portland jersey capitalized on the miss.

And it wasn’t just Butler who felt the impact of those recurring mistakes. Stephen Curry echoed the same concerns, even if in a calmer tone. “We played well enough to win, but have nothing to show for it. We couldn’t get a rebound. Just defensively together as a unit, didn’t do good enough.”

This has been the story of the Warriors’ season so far. They sit at 9–9 and have let multiple double-digit leads slip away. Their defense looks solid on paper — they rank tenth in the NBA — but their rebounding remains one of their biggest flaws.

Butler is listed as probable with low back soreness after missing the previous game. Green, who was sidelined in the loss to the Miami Heat due to illness, is also probable for Friday’s in-season tournament matchup. Barring setbacks, both veteran stars are expected to return to the starting lineup alongside Stephen Curry as the Warriors finally head back home following a grueling six-game road trip.

In addition to Butler and Green, the Warriors have another player on the injury report. Buddy Hield is listed as probable with an illness after playing against Miami. He finished that game with 18 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, shooting 7-of-20 from the field and 4-of-15 from three.

On the other side of the availability spectrum, the Warriors have officially ruled out Jonathan Kuminga due to bilateral knee tendonitis. The young forward has struggled to find rhythm after a strong start to the season, and an enforced rest may be exactly what he needs to reset and regain form.

How the Warriors enter the matchup

Golden State closed its six-game road trip with a 3–3 record. Stephen Curry carried a heavy offensive load throughout the trip, averaging 29.8 points per game, while Jimmy Butler averaged 22.4 during his time on the floor. At 9–8, the Warriors sit eighth in the Western Conference and remain in the thick of a crowded early-season playoff picture.

They arrive at this game after a tough loss to the Miami Heat — a Heat team that played without its top star, Tyler Herro, who has missed most of the NBA season due to injury. Still, Miami leaned on Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo, both of whom have been playing at an elite level and keeping the franchise afloat.

The Warriors fell despite deploying a lineup without any of their marquee names. With no Butler, no Green, no Curry, and no Al Horford, Golden State relied on Brandin Podziemski, who delivered 20 points and eight rebounds. Buddy Hield added 18 points, rookie Quinten Post scored 19, and Pat Spencer nearly posted a triple-double with 11 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists while running the offense.

“Imagine being in a situation where you constantly question, ‘Am I wanted here or not?’ That is the worst feeling,” Butler told about Kuminga to ESPN. “I experienced this toward the end of my time in Miami. It made me think, ‘I’ve been here all along. What are we discussing?’ It’s a disheartening place to be.”

Using this example, the Warriors star conveyed his reflections on the difficulties Kuminga is experiencing, emphasizing that despite their expectations, there are times players must endure significant challenges.

Although the team has been instrumental in his development, the truth is sometimes even more support is essential to gain recognition. Unfortunately, his recent performances have not been favorable, and the Congolese player has struggled this season.

Butler didn’t acknowledge his former teammates

After the matchup, where the Warriors were defeated by the Heat 110-96, Butler bypassed the customary post-game pleasantries and headed straight to the locker room to speak with his current teammates.

This behavior was typical of Butler, reminding fans of his displeasure over his departure from the Heat and highlighting how much he cherished his time there before the circumstances changed.

The Warriors lost their momentum

After securing victories in three out of four games prior to meeting the Orlando Magic, the Warriors’ East Coast road trip took an unexpected turn, culminating in two consecutive losses that halted their regular-season momentum.

With Kuminga and Curry sidelined due to injuries, Butler is expected to lead the charge on Friday for the NBA Cup game against the Portland Trail Blazers. A victory is crucial, as a defeat to Portland would jeopardize their advancement to the next round.