Stephen Curry entered the 2025‑26 NBA season knowing it could be his final run for a title, but the Golden State Warriors closed the year with a 37‑45 record, a play‑in victory over the Los Angeles Clippers and a defeat to the Phoenix Suns that left them out of the postseason.
Why the Warriors’ roster is a liability for Curry
The roster is packed with players over 35, including Curry (38), Draymond Green (36) and Al Horford (40). Jimmy Butler, also 36, is nursing a torn ACL that will likely sideline him all season. Even Kristaps Porzingis, at 31, has missed 74 games in the past two years because of injuries. Age and health issues make an 82‑game grind a brutal ask for a man who still carries the offensive load.
How injuries crippleed the 2025‑26 campaign
Moses Moody ruptured his left patellar tendon early in the season and missed the entire year, averaging 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 44% from the field. Butler’s ACL tear kept him off the floor, and the team lost depth at forward and wing positions. The lack of healthy rotation forced Curry to log heavy minutes, accelerating wear on his body.
What the rookie addition means for next year
Golden State’s only notable offseason move was drafting Yaxel Lendeborg from Michigan. In his first summer‑league outing he poured in 19 points on perfect shooting, added six assists and five rebounds in just 22 minutes. With the forward spot thinned by injuries, Lendeborg could see a starting role, offering a glimmer of hope amid a roster that otherwise looks stagnant.
Can the Warriors salvage a playoff spot in 2026‑27?
The front office re‑signed Porzingis to a two‑year, $40 million deal, but his injury history makes the contract a gamble. Butler’s $56 million salary sits on the bench, and moving it would be tough. Younger Western Conference teams—San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets—are already outpacing Golden State in talent and depth. Without a major trade or free‑agency splash, the Warriors are likely headed back to the play‑in tournament.
What this means for Curry’s legacy
Curry still holds the ball as the primary scorer, but the surrounding cast can’t keep pace with elite competition. If the roster remains unchanged, his final championship window may close without another ring. The next season could be his last chance to add to a legacy that already includes four NBA titles and three MVPs.
What’s next for Golden State?
The team can still explore free‑agency options and look for trade partners willing to absorb Butler’s contract. Yet the front office appears content with a “run it back” approach, hoping the existing core can scrape another play‑in berth. For Curry, every missed game and every extra minute brings the question of how long he can stay at the top of the league.