There is a lot going on with the Golden State Warriors right now as they look to enter the 2026-27 NBA season as serious championship contenders. As it turns out, however, Jimmy Butler could no longer be part of the roster on opening night.
The Warriors have recently been linked to a double swoop for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and his former teammate, Anthony Davis, who now plays for the Washington Wizards.
This would potentially form a Big 4 alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green, who is reportedly set to decline his $27.7 million player option for next season in order to give the team more cap space.
Butler's expiring $57 million deal is supposed to be the centerpiece of Golden State's trade offer to Washington for Davis, along with multiple first round picks.
However, NBA reporters Marc Stein and Jake Fischer have revealed that one thing is holding the Warriors back from potentially parting ways with Butler.
According to their insider report, it's the six-time All-Star's tight bond with the Warriors brass. In particular, Butler's strong relationship with general manager Mike Dunleavy and head coach Steve Kerr is reportedly causing reluctance on Golden State's end.
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Has Jimmy Butler's Time With the Warriors Come to an End?
Butler joined the Warriors in February 2025 via a blockbuster trade deal from the Miami Heat. He made an immediate impact upon his arrival. The 6-foot-6 forward slotted seamlessly alongside Curry, helping lead a playoff push for Golden State.
Unfortunately, a knee injury got in the way of Butler's second season with the squad. He tore his right ACL in January, resulting in a season-ending injury.
Butler was limited to 38 games in 2025-26, averaging 20.0 points on 51.9% shooting, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.4 steals in 31.1 minutes per contest.
The 36-year-old is now entering the final season of his current deal. At this point, it appears that his expiring contract is more valuable than what he could bring to the table for the Warriors next season, when he gets healthy. He is expected to miss the first few months of the campaign as he works his way back from a major injury.
Butler has fostered strong relationships with the Warriors brass, and he's also become close to his teammates. However, whether this will be enough to save his spot on the squad remains to be seen.
