Warriors Hit Hard as Jimmy Butler Suffers Season Ending ACL

Merlin sees trouble in the Bay. Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending torn right ACL and, as Shams Charania reported, the Warriors are "embracing for the possibility and the potential likelihood that he's gonna miss the start of next season." Butler, on a two-year $111 million deal, averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists, leaving a sizable gap on both ends. Merlin remembers how Butler’s February arrival revived Golden State and notes the timing bites as the team is 25-19 and hot of late. Losing a top scorer, playmaker and leader is a hard loss. Marc J. Spears quotes, "We don't see Butler getting traded. One GM told me he says doubtful. Too much money." Expect the Warriors to explore modest fixes before the Feb. 5 deadline while leaning on internal adjustments.