The Golden State Warriors failed to land the star they spent much of the offseason chasing, but Brian Windhorst believes declaring the Stephen Curry era finished would be premature.
Golden State explored moves involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James without completing any of them. James ultimately signed with Philadelphia, leaving the Warriors with an aging, injury-ravaged roster that does not currently resemble a championship contender.
Advertisement
Windhorst acknowledged that reality during an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up.”
Brian Windhorst says the Warriors still have the assets and financial flexibility to build another contender around Stephen Curry. NBAE via Getty Images
“They absolutely are not championship contenders right now,” Windhorst said.
Golden State finished 37-45 last season and missed the playoffs after losing in the play-in tournament. Jimmy Butler suffered a torn ACL, Moses Moody is recovering from a major knee injury and Curry will again be asked to carry a significant offensive burden at 38 years old.
Still, Windhorst argued that the organization’s window has not completely closed.
“But Steph Curry has said he wants to play multiple more years, and the Warriors have a lot of draft pick equity, and they have a lot of flexibility financially going forward,” Windhorst said. “So, if you want to write them off, say that they’re done, go ahead and do that.”
Advertisement
Windhorst pointed to Philadelphia as proof that an NBA team’s outlook can change quickly. The 76ers appeared limited earlier in the offseason before unexpectedly adding Brown and James.
“Seven or eight weeks ago, you thought the 76ers were not going to do anything this season, and watch what happened,” Windhorst said. “Let’s just see what happens with Steph Curry over this next 18 months.”
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on from the bench during the game against the Sacramento Kings NBAE via Getty Images
Curry’s contract could become central to that plan. He has one season remaining and will soon become eligible for a two-year extension reportedly worth $136.7 million.
Windhorst suggested the Warriors could ask Curry to delay signing it. If Curry, Draymond Green and Butler were all allowed to reach free agency next summer, Golden State could potentially create roughly $90 million in cap space and pursue another major roster overhaul.
Stephen Curry #30 and Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors laughs during the game against the LA Clippers NBAE via Getty Images
That path would carry obvious risk. Curry would be turning down long-term security without knowing which stars might become available. Golden State would also be asking him to trust a front office that has repeatedly missed on its biggest targets.
Advertisement
There is no guarantee another superstar will choose the Warriors next year, especially as Curry moves further into his late 30s.
But Windhorst’s broader point remains clear: Golden State is not out of assets, flexibility or time. The Warriors may have to survive a difficult 2026-27 season while Butler and Moody recover, but they still have the tools to reshape the roster.
Golden State spent this summer missing its swings. Windhorst believes the Warriors still have enough time to connect on one before Curry’s window finally closes.
Read the full article here
