Jimmy Butler wants to play in the G League

Jimmy Butler is planning to play in the G League, the NBA's developmental league, to regain his form after his injury. According to The Athletic, the 37-year-old wants to take the court for the Santa Cruz Warriors in at least one game.

Butler has been away from the court since last season. In the game against the Miami Heat on January 20, 2026, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, and he has been in the recovery process ever since. No date for his return to the NBA has been set yet.

The report says that if he drops down to the G League, he would be the biggest name in the league, considering his career and contract. Butler's annual salary is $56,832,773. The player said he wants to play for Santa Cruz, even if only briefly.

Steve Kerr said he views the idea positively. Recalling that players often appear in minor league games after injuries in baseball, Kerr argued that the plan makes sense. The report also notes that there is no example of a star player dropping down to the G League. It cites Stephen Curry, who only took part in practices to return after an injury, and Serge Ibaka, who played four games in a Clippers uniform in 2021.