Stephen Curry has limited opportunities left to secure a fifth championship, a reality well understood by the Golden State Warriors. This awareness shaped their strategies throughout the 2024-25 season. When ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Warriors were actively pursuing every All-Star, it reflected their urgency in maximizing the final phase of Curry’s prime at 37 years old. The franchise made a decisive move by trading for Jimmy Butler.
The immediate improvement on the court was noticeable. The Warriors held a 25-26 record prior to Butler’s arrival but concluded the season on a strong note at 23-8. Additionally, the trade was cost-effective; only a first-round pick in 2025 was required, preserving their future assets from the Stepien Rule. With only Andrew Wiggins involved from the core team, the hope remained that Butler could elevate the Warriors to true championship contention, while maintaining the option to pursue further trades if needed.
However, Curry’s hamstring injury in the second round dealt a severe blow to the Warriors. It didn’t just represent a lost opportunity for the fifth title but also deprived the team of insight regarding their championship prospects. This playoffs were intended as a benchmark, particularly if the team fell to the Houston Rockets in Game 7, which would indicate the need for more significant changes.
The dilemma is exemplified by this second-round exit, where Curry’s brief 13-minute performance rendered insights unreliable. While Golden State dominated the brief period Curry was active, it did not provide a valid representation of the team’s capabilities. Questions arose regarding Butler’s effectiveness, especially regarding his inability to support the team during Curry’s absence. Concerns also lingered over the supporting cast’s performance in the context of the Curry-Butler dynamic, casting doubts on various players’ postseason potential, including Brandin Podziemski.
Currently, the Warriors appear to be on a similar competitive level with the 2024-25 Rockets, but that holds little promise for the future. The Rockets and Thunder are among the most promising young franchises in the NBA. Competing this season might only mean heightened challenges in the subsequent year, particularly as the Warriors’ core players age. With Curry at 37, Butler set to turn 36, and Draymond Green 35, the aging roster doesn’t suggest an easy fix through development. They will need to explore external options.
If a deal akin to the Butler acquisition presents itself, the Warriors should consider it. However, substantial trades likely necessitate sacrificing core players. With key figures like Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Gary Payton II approaching free agency, their salary structure poses challenges. Outside Curry, Butler, and Green, the Warriors possess under $31 million in committed salary, complicating efforts to acquire impactful players.
Of particular interest is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who the Warriors have pursued since 2020. While Golden State may lack the strongest offering in a trade pursuit, the relationship between Curry and Antetokounmpo, characterized by mutual respect, positions the Warriors as a desirable option. Both players have recognized each other’s talents in various capacities, suggesting that Antetokounmpo might favor a collaboration in Golden State.
