The Golden State Warriors have remained notably inactive during the offseason so far, despite their recent second-round elimination from the NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The series ended 4-1 in favor of the Timberwolves, with the Warriors’ offense hampered after Stephen Curry suffered a hamstring injury in Game 1 and was unable to return. This setback greatly limited Golden State’s scoring threat, contributing to their early exit.
Without Curry, widely regarded as the league’s premier shooter, the Warriors struggled to maintain offensive momentum. The Timberwolves took advantage of the lack of a true 3-point threat by focusing their defense more aggressively on the perimeter, while also using their size advantage inside to disrupt Golden State’s game plan.
Uncertainty Surrounds Warriors’ Roster Moves
Many expected the Warriors to be more active in building their roster this offseason. However, the potential trade market for Jonathan Kuminga has proven to be limited. Kuminga represents a crucial asset that the Warriors hoped to use in a sign-and-trade to add more depth. Unfortunately, no teams have offered a qualifying contract for him, leaving the Warriors with reduced options to make significant changes ahead of the next season.
Stephen Curry Discusses Future in the NBA
Following Curry’s injury, questions about the future of the Warriors’ star intensified, especially considering his age of 37. Fans and analysts alike have begun to speculate about how many more years Curry might continue playing at a high level. When asked directly about his plans, Curry responded with cautious pragmatism:
“I don’t know. I’m just taking it two years at a time. That’s what I have left on my contract right now,”
he stated, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
While Curry’s current contract is set to expire after two more seasons, it remains possible he could extend his career beyond that timeframe. However, it is likely his role would evolve into something different from the dominant two-time Most Valuable Player form fans have witnessed in recent years. He might transition into a specialist focused heavily on three-point shooting, similar to what Ray Allen did late in his career when he accepted a reduced role with the Miami Heat rather than continuing as a starter with the Boston Celtics.
Despite this, Curry has spent his entire NBA career with the Warriors, making it difficult to imagine him continuing elsewhere after so much success and deep ties with the franchise.
Coaching and Leadership Outlook Linked to Veteran Players
Another factor that adds to the Warriors’ uncertainty is head coach Steve Kerr’s contract situation, which expires after the upcoming season. Kerr has expressed openness to extending his deal, but this decision likely hinges in part on the plans of Curry and fellow veteran Draymond Green. The direction these key figures choose to take will almost certainly influence the future of the team’s leadership and competitive window going forward.
The Road Ahead for the Warriors and Curry
The Warriors enter a period of transition, with a quiet offseason, injured star players, and key personnel approaching contract milestones. Stephen Curry’s measured approach to his career’s final chapters underscores the franchise’s need to adapt as well. How the team reshapes its roster and leadership, combined with Curry’s evolving role, will define the next phase for Golden State and impact their prospects of remaining contenders in the seasons to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Stephen Curry wear 4?
A. FIBA, the group that manages Olympic basketball, previously limited player numbers to 4-15 to simplify tasks for referees during games. In 2014, FIBA removed this rule, but the Team USA continues the practice in international competitions, including the Paris Olympics. That’s the reason Curry, who picked the No.