Moses Moody ahead of Jimmy Butler in Warriors rehabs, could return in December or January

The Golden State Warriors will open the season without Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler, but the team remains optimistic about getting both back by early 2027, and Moody is considered to be ahead of Butler in their respective rehabs, according to reporter Anthony Slater.

Moody ruptured his left patellar tendon but has described the injury as a “best-case scenario” rupture because it was a clean tear from the bone. The current belief is that Moody could return in December or January, while Butler, who tore his right ACL last season, might be able to play in January or February.

“I know (an exact target date),” Butler said, smiling. “We know. Y’all just find out whenever y’all find out.”

Golden State was 25-19 when Butler tore his ACL and went 12-26 the rest of the way. Head coach Steve Kerr wants the opposite script this season. “We get Jimmy back around February instead of losing him in February,” Kerr said. “So, what’s our job? Lay the best foundation, best platform for success before that… I think the plan is there.”