Running training to resume in six weeks! Butler says he wants to retire with the Warriors—significant pay cut inevitable?

On June 28, Beijing time, Warriors star Jimmy Butler recently said that his "rehab training is going smoothly" and that he expects to restart running training in roughly six weeks. He also disclosed his intention to host the whole team at his San Diego residence for a get-together ahead of training camp.

The six-time All-Star characterized his recovery as "exceeding expectations," with all rehabilitation milestones on track. His invitation to teammates for a home gathering has a backstory—he had organized a similar event before the 2025-26 season began.

Speaking about that earlier gathering last year, he told reporters, "I just wanted to hang out with my brothers. During the offseason, I got to meet many of my teammates or visit their hometowns, and even if I didn’t see them in person, I got to know people close to them. So for me, it was really important to invite these teammates, who are like family, to my home, let them into my life, and just relax together."

Additionally, Butler acknowledged in the interview that he is at peace with entering the latter stage of his career. He said, "I’m still the same guy I’ve always been—if anything, I’m in an even better place now. I know I can still rank among the top players in the league when I return. I have a few more prime years left, and I’ll give everything until I literally can’t play anymore."

The six-time All-Star added that he hopes to finish his career in the Bay Area. "The word 'ending' doesn’t sound great, but I want to end my playing days here and retire with this team. This organization is top-tier—without a doubt the best, no exaggeration. I’m grateful to be playing alongside an all-time great. I want to contribute my part and help the team get back to where we belong—at the top."

By the time the 2026-27 season tips off, Butler will be nearly 37 years old.

His long-standing reputation for max-effort, high-energy play has always made it difficult for him to have a smooth late-career stretch, and this serious anterior cruciate ligament tear only compounds the challenge. With just one year left on his current contract, Butler will likely need to make concessions if he wants to remain with the Warriors for the rest of his career.

The Warriors have always taken a pragmatic approach toward their veteran stars, even those with deep ties to the franchise and its fans: Klay Thompson left as a free agent in 2024, and Draymond Green has repeatedly been involved in trade rumors—all in the name of roster improvement.

In truth, only Stephen Curry is considered untouchable. When the time comes for Butler to formally negotiate an extension with general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., he must recognize this reality. Butler has previously clashed with former teams over salary disagreements. He understands that if he wants to end his career with Golden State, a major pay cut—his salary next season is $56.8 million—will be necessary.

The Warriors acquired Butler from the Heat via trade during the 2024-25 season. The 2025-26 season should have been his first full year with the team, but injuries limited him to just 38 games.

Butler wasn’t the only Warriors player hit hard by injuries last season: Curry played only 43 games, and Kristaps Porziņģis appeared in just 15. The team finished with a disappointing 37-45 record and lost to the Suns in the play-in tournament, ending the season abruptly.

If Butler can stay healthy for the 2026-27 season alongside Curry, the Warriors' ceiling will rise significantly. With his ligament recovery progressing well and running training just around the corner, this is undoubtedly great news for the team and its fans.