Warriors Receive Major Jimmy Butler News Before Season Opener

As the 2025-26 NBA regular season approaches, many view the Golden State Warriors as a fringe playoff team, citing the advanced ages of their key players—Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, all in their mid-to-late 30s—as a reason for potential lack of competitiveness.

Despite this skepticism, there is an argument that the Warriors could surprise observers this season due to their strong roster depth, particularly in the backcourt, and their impressive performance after Butler joined the team in February of the previous season, which revitalized their playoff hopes.

For the Warriors to contend for an NBA championship, maintaining player health is crucial; currently, Butler is sidelined with an ankle injury, missing the preseason finale along with forward Jonathan Kuminga, though head coach Steve Kerr anticipates both will be available for the regular-season opener.

Last season, the acquisition of Butler alleviated pressure on Curry, transforming the team's fortunes as they posted a 23-8 record post-trade and emerged as a Western Conference threat, with their playoff run likely cut short only by Curry's hamstring injury in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

If Butler misses the start of the season, Kuminga, who recently ended a holdout by signing a two-year, $48.5 million contract, is expected to step up, supported by reserves like De'Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, and Brandin Podziemski, helping to manage the minutes of the veteran stars.

The Warriors face a daunting schedule to begin the year, with 12 of their first 17 games on the road, including challenging matchups against teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Orlando Magic, highlighted by back-to-back road games against the Spurs in November.