Jimmy Butler Has Torn ACL Injury, Latest Updates, Timeline for Warriors Star's Return

Golden State Warriors star forward Jimmy Butler will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL in Monday night's game against the Miami Heat.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported after Golden State's 135-112 win that Butler was diagnosed with an ACL tear. Bernie Lee, Butler's agent, later confirmed the news to Anthony Slater of ESPN:

The injury occurred midway through the third quarter when Butler's knee buckled upon landing after catching a pass near the basket.

Head coach Steve Kerr told reporters the Warriors could "absolutely" start to rely on Jonathan Kuminga with Butler out.

Butler was helped off the court and back to the locker room by teammates Kuminga and Buddy Hield. He'll undergo an MRI on the injury.

Hield told reporters following the game that Butler was in good spirits as he was helping him off the floor.

Knee injuries are always a concern, and Butler has a bit of a history with his right knee:

The Dubs were already dealing with injuries to Draymond Green, Gui Santos and Kuminga, leaving them incredibly thin at the forward position if Butler's injury ends up being serious.

Butler's loss is a particularly devastating one, at least if it's a long-term injury. The 36-year-old is averaging 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game this season, shooting 51.9 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three. Without him, Steph Curry will be left to take on a huge offensive burden.

The Warriors are now 25-19 after Monday's win, good enough for eighth in the Western Conference. Staying in playoff positioning will be a far taller task with Butler sidelined for the remainder of the season.