Jimmy Butler was on absolute fire last season against the Miami Heat, scoring 17 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals. But unfortunately, that was his final game for the Golden State Warriors for the foreseeable future. Butler crashed into Davion Mitchell, leading to an awkward fall, and we all just knew it was the end. Despite positive updates from him throughout the offseason, his latest return date has left a rather bittersweet (more bitter) taste in fans’ mouths.

After undergoing surgery on February 9, Butler has continued his rehabilitation. Recent strength tests have even shown “notable progress” for the 36-year-old, according to league sources. But… (there’s always a but, isn’t there?) his exact return date to Golden State remains uncertain.

Anthony Slater of ESPN reports that a return in January or February of 2027 is still only considered an “optimistic” target for the veteran. Now, there’s a big difference between optimistic and realistic in this case for one reason.

“Butler still has extensive rehab work ahead,” Slater wrote. “He is expected to be limited to individual court and strength work when training camp opens in a month, league sources said, with the 36-year-old forward needing more time to be cleared for a full contact setting.”

So, even though Butler has been positive and vocal about his comeback plans, there are still “plenty of checkpoints” to clear. Slater also reminded everyone that the Warriors’ lead medical decision-maker, Rick Celebrini, is “noted for a cautious approach.”

This offseason, the Warriors’ communication through insiders has focused on retaining Butler. Like it or not, he is a tough salary-dumping option on an expiring $56.8 million contract that Golden State could use. The (frustrating) fact is that they haven’t. Butler also directly ruled out any trade ideas involving his name.

“End is a bad word, but this is where I want to be done,” Butler told ESPN in June. “Retire here. This organization is top-tier. It’s the best. Keep it a buck. It’s the best. You’re playing with one of the greatest players ever. I’m grateful to be able to witness this. I want to be able to do my part, get this organization back on top where we belong.”

Butler admits the timing of his injury “sucks” because it made Golden State’s chance for a deep postseason run harder. They tumbled to a 37-45 record and didn’t make it past the play-in bracket. But the veteran’s best stretch last season also, in turn, brought results for the Warriors… they were on a 12-4 surge.

The 36-year-old “hopes” he can return early next season to maximize what is left of the Stephen Curry-Draymond Green partnership, but ultimately admitted it will “be up to Rick and the team downstairs.”

“Not only is Rick the best at what he does, he calms my nerves a lot,” Butler said. “I really got somebody to talk to because he’s [torn his ACL] before, and he’s helped other individuals through it. I’m not going to rush it, but I know I’m going to come back ready. I know I’m going to come back better than ever. Legitimately.”

Now, Butler’s fitness update gives Dub Nation plenty to discuss. Some questioned the return timeline, while others focused on what it means for Golden State.

The Warriors have been patient about Jimmy Butler, but their fans certainly aren’t…

The ESPN insider’s report didn’t sit well with everyone. An angry netizen wrote, “I swear anthony slater is just asking to get smacked in his mouth.”

Slater’s report does not rule out a January or February return. However, the word “optimistic” makes it clear that neither month is a guarantee.

For another fan, the issue was the timing. @RealLifeEnt wrote, “Thought Jimmy said he’s looking at December.”

December had been mentioned as an early return. Earlier reporting, however, also described that timeline as a best-case scenario. The earlier, the better, because it gives the Warriors a higher ceiling for next season and lets the front office decide on Butler, who’ll be extension-eligible on February 6.

Suppose the Warriors start the season poorly, holding a losing record by January; Butler’s early return would help them decide whether retaining a core of high-earning veterans, such as Stephen Curry ($62.5 million), Draymond Green ($27.6 million), and Kristaps Porzingis ($20 million), still makes sense. It comes after an offseason when the Dubs have largely been unable to sign a franchise player.

Then came the jokes. @maheshuppina wrote, “Hope the Warriors don’t need a foot massage before they bring him back, because I’m not ready for a ‘Butler on a broom’ comeback.”

The joke reflects a simple concern: fans want Butler back, but they also want him to look like himself when he returns. The Dubs have taken a cautious approach with his rehab, which makes sense given the seriousness of an ACL injury.

There was also some optimism in the replies. @rileyykrx asked, “the entire league is just waiting for him to be back to normal, right?”

Butler’s importance to Golden State is clear. He averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 38 games before being ruled out for the season. Even Steve Kerr acknowledged that Butler’s injury “just changed everything.” The frustration, however, wasn’t only about the veteran’s fitness.

@ServeForCountry wrote, “it doesnt matter bc i know as a warriors fan that my team isn’t trying to get 1 more championship anymore.”

That concern connects Butler’s recovery to Golden State’s larger championship hopes. The Warriors rely heavily on their veteran core to make it work, and Butler’s return could change the team’s outlook during the second half of the season.

For now, the Warriors have little reason to rush him. January or February remains possible. But with more rehab and testing still ahead, the Warriors will let Butler’s recovery determine when he returns rather than force the calendar.