Golden State Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s recent comments regarding the future of the franchise have spotlighted a key challenge for the team: navigating the transition from the Stephen Curry era. As Curry, now 36, continues to dominate on the court, the question of who will eventually step into his shoes or share the burden of leadership looms large. This marks a critical juncture for the Warriors, a team that has experienced tremendous success over the past decade but now faces the inevitable process of preparing for the future.
Stephen Curry’s impact on the Warriors, and the NBA as a whole, is undeniable. His revolutionary three-point shooting has redefined modern basketball, propelling the Warriors to four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022) and establishing them as a dynasty. His ability to score from anywhere on the court has made him the centerpiece of the Warriors’ offense, and as a result, the team has built its strategy around his unique skill set. Curry’s importance to the franchise is not just as a player but also as a leader and cultural figure who has helped shape the Warriors’ identity.
However, as Curry enters the later stages of his career, the Warriors must face the reality that his time as their leading man won’t last forever. While Curry has shown little sign of slowing down — posting one of his best statistical seasons in 2023-2024 — the organization knows that finding a successor or at least a complementary player is essential for sustained success.
Dunleavy’s comments reflect the Warriors’ awareness that no clear-cut successor has emerged to take over when Curry inevitably begins to decline or retires. This is a tricky balancing act. On the one hand, the team wants to maximize their current championship window with Curry still playing at an elite level. On the other hand, they must also think long-term, preparing for the post-Curry era to avoid a precipitous fall once he’s no longer leading the charge.
In recent years, the Warriors have attempted to develop young talent to bridge this future gap. For instance, they drafted promising players like Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody, hoping they could step up as future stars. However, Poole, who had moments of brilliance during the 2022 championship run, was traded to the Washington Wizards in the summer of 2023, leaving a gap in the young core the team was hoping to build. His departure came after a tumultuous season where he struggled with consistency, and off-court issues, including an infamous altercation with teammate Draymond Green, raised doubts about his long-term fit.
Kuminga and Moody, while still highly regarded for their potential, have yet to fully break out and become reliable options. Kuminga, in particular, is an athletic forward with star potential, but he has been inconsistent and is still learning how to harness his physical gifts on both ends of the floor. Moody, a versatile wing, has shown flashes of his talent but has yet to establish himself as a major contributor.
This leaves the Warriors without a definitive heir apparent to Curry, a problem that Dunleavy and the front office will need to address in the coming seasons. It’s a problem compounded by the fact that the Warriors have committed significant financial resources to their core players, including Curry, Thompson, and Green, leaving little room under the salary cap to bring in a high-profile free agent.
One of the key elements in this transition is Klay Thompson. Thompson, once the other half of the Warriors’ “Splash Brothers” duo with Curry, has had a storied career but has struggled with injuries in recent years. After suffering two major injuries — a torn ACL in 2019 and a torn Achilles in 2020 — Thompson missed two full seasons. He returned in 2022 and played a significant role in the team’s championship that year, but his performance has not been as consistent since.
Now, with Thompson entering the final year of his contract, the Warriors face a tough decision. Do they re-sign him and continue the partnership that has brought them so much success, or do they let him walk in free agency to clear cap space and invest in younger players? Thompson’s age and injury history complicate this decision, but his deep connection with Curry and the franchise could also weigh heavily in the Warriors’ considerations. Thompson remains a fan favorite and one of the best shooters in NBA history, but his long-term value is uncertain.
Another pivotal figure in this equation is Draymond Green. Known for his defensive prowess, leadership, and playmaking abilities, Green has been the heart of the Warriors’ defense and their emotional leader. He re-signed with the team in 2023 on a four-year deal, signaling the Warriors’ commitment to their veteran core. Green’s leadership is invaluable, particularly in guiding younger players, but he, too, is in the twilight of his career.
Green’s infamous temper, including his altercation with Poole, has raised questions about his long-term role with the team. But his basketball IQ and defensive versatility remain critical to the Warriors’ success. However, like Thompson, Green’s age and wear-and-tear are factors the Warriors must consider as they look to the future.
The Warriors’ front office, led by Dunleavy, now faces the challenge of navigating these competing priorities: continuing to compete for championships while simultaneously planning for life after Curry, Thompson, and Green. The franchise’s success has been built on the unique synergy of these three players, but replicating that formula with new personnel will be difficult.
Golden State may look to make more trades to bring in younger talent or pursue free agents who can fill key roles in the rotation. They could also lean heavily on internal development, banking on Kuminga, Moody, and others to take the next step in their careers. Another possibility is that the Warriors explore the trade market for a star player who could eventually take on a leadership role alongside Curry in the short term and beyond.
Regardless of the path they choose, Dunleavy and the Warriors know that replacing Curry is not a task that can be achieved easily. His combination of talent, leadership, and iconic status within the franchise is irreplaceable. But by focusing on both internal development and strategic roster moves, they can position themselves to remain competitive and relevant in the NBA, even as the Curry era eventually winds down.
In the immediate future, the Warriors will remain a threat in the Western Conference, with Curry still leading the way. However, the next few seasons will be pivotal in determining whether the Warriors can successfully transition into a new era without losing their identity or competitive edge.
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