With the Golden State Warriors‘ 2025-26 season now on life support, the team must seriously consider making a bold move to survive and thrive in the years ahead.
Heading into this season, there was reason for the Warriors to feel confident about making another run at a championship. After they traded for future Hall of Famer Jimmy Butler before last season’s trade deadline, they emerged as a serious dark horse in the West.
Ousting a rugged and talented Houston Rockets team in the opening round of the playoffs was further evidence. However, a rare hamstring injury for Steph Curry in the semifinals derailed their Finals aspirations. Nevertheless, the potential remained, and was boosted by a full offseason with Butler.
Yet, the Warriors struggled over the first three months of the season. While their defense was statistically better, Butler and Draymond Green publicly questioned their toughness, and their offense also regressed. But over the last few weeks, the greybeard-led group seemed to be building serious momentum as they won seven of 10 to start the new year.
Then on Monday night, their championship hopes again went down the toilet when Butler suffered a heartbreaking ACL tear in their win over the Miami Heat. It was a moment that sent another clear message. Warriors management must begin taking trade offers for franchise icon Steph Curry.
Should the Warriors start taking Steph Curry trade offers ASAP?
Could the Warriors play out the year, hope for the best, and punt to 2026-27? Absolutely, and there is a case to be made to do that since there is potential in the trio of Curry, Butler, and Green. Especially, since they are all on the books for one last run next season. But that is not living in reality.
There have been signs for several seasons that Golden State’s dynasty is over, and they must look toward rebuilding. However, when you have an icon like Curry still playing at a high level, that is a hard decision to make. It’s why they traded for Butler last year and were linked to various rumors about another big trade before next month’s deadline.
However, the reality is that Butler will be trying to return from a major injury after turning 37 in September. Nagging injuries continue to emerge for Curry a couple of months ahead of his 38th birthday. And Green remains a hotmess with his unpredictability from week to week. This was this group’s last realistic chance, and that is now gone. The Warriors’ front office must think big picture.
Steph Curry stats: 27.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 39% 3PT
The 2026 NBA Draft is viewed as the deepest and most talent-rich in years. Despite missing games this season, Curry is still playing at an All-Star level. His value will never be higher, especially with only one year left on his contract and not owning a no-trade clause.
Multiple teams own a pair of selections in June. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder could have as many as four. Reaching out to some of those teams to get multiple firsts and take back some bad contracts to make the money end work is something the organization needs to consider.
Would they like to hold on to the greatest player in team history? Yes. But that isn’t what’s best for the franchise’s long-term health. It’s ugly, but it’s the necessary move after Monday’s bad news.
