The last week of the NBA trade window has been a rollercoaster for fans and everyone around. And after the Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis saga, here’s another bombshell in the last minutes, Jimmy Butler’s blockbuster trade to the Golden State Warriors. This trade has the potential to elevate the Warriors to new heights, making them an even more formidable force in the league. But there is something that worries Warriors about. Ah, yes. Injury!
Though fans will be excited to see Jimmy and Steph Curry share the court, there’s a pause when we look back at Butler’s injury history. He is one of many hoopers who has sustained many injuries. In this article, we’ll explore the details of Butler’s injury history and how many games he had to miss due to injuries.
What kept Jimmy out of court? A long list of injuries
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The six All-Star player has played for several years but his time with the Miami Heat truly brought out his leadership skills. And who doesn’t know Butler led the Heat to the NBA Finals in 2020, where he played a vital role in the team’s competitive edge. However, the road to success hasn’t been without setbacks. We all know Jimmy Butler’s career, whether it was the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, or the Heat, is filled not just with triumphs, but also injuries.
Throughout his career, Butler’s injury list has been extensive, especially in the latter years. His knees, back, ankle, and shoulder injuries are the most notable. But when did he miss the most? The table below outlines the number of games Butler has played, the games he has missed, and the injuries that affected his availability during each season.
2024-25 | 25 | 57 | Illness, Knee, Back, Ankle |
2023-24 | 60 | 22 | Knee, Personal, Foot |
2022-23 | 64 | 18 | Knee, Ankle, Illness |
2021-22 | 57 | 25 | Shoulder, Toe, Ankle |
2020-21 | 52 | 30 | Ankle, Illness, Back |
2019-20 | 58 | 24 | Illness, Foot, Ankle |
2018-19 | 65 | 17 | Back, Foot, Wrist |
2017-18 | 59 | 23 | Knee, Back, Foot |
2016-17 | 76 | 6 | Back, Knee |
2015-16 | 67 | 15 | Illness, Foot |
2014-15 | 65 | 17 | Ankle, Toe, Foot |
2013-14 | 67 | 15 | Foot, Ankle |
2012-13 | 82 | 0 | – |
2011-12 | 42 | 40 | – |
These injuries have taken a toll on his overall health. But Jimmy, being the man of the game, has never let his challenges stop him from growing big. He continued to show up for his teams when it mattered the most. The reason even at 35, the Warriors didn’t hesitate to go all out for the power forward.
How many games did Jimmy Butler miss due to suspension?
Who is unaware of the Butler-Pat Riley drama? Of course, it came with a price for the former. In January 2025, tensions with the team reached a breaking point. His frustration boiled over when he learned he would be coming off the bench in a January 27 game against the Orlando Magic. The move sparked his walkout from practice, resulting in his third suspension in less than a month. And the Heat suspended him twice in January: a seven-game suspension for conduct deemed detrimental to the team and a two-game ban for missing a flight to Milwaukee.
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His time with the Miami Heat ended on a bitter note. In total, Butler missed nine of Miami’s last 12 games before the indefinite suspension. The team’s decision to bench him triggered the final straw. Butler, a six-time All-Star and two-time NBA Finals leader, was unhappy. His exit strategies with former teams were anyways infamous. Even after starting new, he didn’t forget to take a dig at his former team. “I’m not getting suspended any more”, enough to indicate what frustrated him the most.
Jimmy Butler: “I’m very, very happy I’m not getting suspended any more.” pic.twitter.com/EqbFOcF0nH
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 7, 2025
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However, Jimmy Butler’s career, while illustrious, has certainly been marked by injury struggles, and suspensions to some extent. The star forward has faced challenges that would break many players. His ability to continue battling back, season after season, speaks volumes about his resilience. And as he enters the court with Stephen Curry & Co., it will surely be a treat to watch.
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Will Jimmy Butler's injury history haunt the Warriors, or is he the missing piece for another title?
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Will Jimmy Butler's injury history haunt the Warriors, or is he the missing piece for another title?
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