Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear against the Miami Heat on Monday (Jan. 20, 2026) officially extinguished the Golden State Warriors’ already slim championship hopes. At 36, this injury could mark the end of Butler’s career – the very player brought in to give Curry, Green, and the aging core “one last run.”
Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Clippers
But amid the “what ifs” and roster autopsy, Draymond Green shared a deeply human story on his podcast – one that shifts focus from wins and losses to the person behind the player:
“The first thing he said, sitting in that locker room was, ‘Man, I’m supposed to take my kids to the arcade in the morning.’ He said it four different times: ‘I’m not going to be able to take my kids to the arcade in the morning.’ Then we talked a little more. ‘Man, I’m supposed to take my kids to the arcade.’ That’s all he kept saying. He was just in this state of delirium. Completely delirious. I can only imagine what he felt, but he just kept saying, ‘I’m supposed to take my kids to the arcade.’”
Green emphasized: despite knowing the injury likely ended his last real shot at a title, Butler’s immediate concern wasn’t the championship or his legacy – it was his kids.
Butler – Father First, Superstar Second Butler has always been defined by toughness and competitiveness. But this moment revealed another side: a father devastated at missing time with his children. Green added:
“That was the most touching part for me. He had every reason to be upset, to pout about his bad luck – but in that moment, all he could think about was his kids. That’s as heartbreaking as it gets.”
Warriors: An Aging Roster & Repeated “Bad Luck” The Warriors entered the season with an old core (Curry 37, Butler 36, Green 35, Horford 39) banking on health and “one last ride.” They started strong post-Butler trade, won the Play-In, and beat Houston in last year’s playoffs – only for Curry’s hamstring to end it early. This year, it’s Butler’s ACL – another cruel twist.
Green acknowledged: the roster was built too thin, relying heavily on aging stars with insufficient proven youth. Injuries were always a massive risk.
What’s Next: Trade Kuminga? Or Accept a Soft Reset? With Butler out, Warriors are weighing trading Jonathan Kuminga (who wants out) for assets or a veteran. DeMar DeRozan has been mentioned as a realistic target to keep them in Play-In contention. But title hopes are essentially gone.
Green’s story reminds us: behind the losses and roster flaws are human beings. Jimmy Butler isn’t just a superstar – he’s a father, and in his darkest moment, his only regret was missing arcade time with his kids.
Warriors & NBA fans – how does this moment change your view of Jimmy Butler? What do you think the Warriors should do next? Share below! Skol Warriors!