The Golden State Warriors’ season has been defined by injuries, inconsistency, and mounting frustration. After watching their three-game winning streak snap in a loss to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, the team now sits at 39 losses, with the play-in tournament their only realistic path forward.
Many fans have already accepted that this year is a lost cause, especially after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear and Stephen Curry’s extended absence with a knee injury. But the bigger conversation is shifting to the offseason — and whether the Warriors will make the kind of bold move needed to give Curry one final realistic shot at another title.
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors watches from the bench.
According to Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard, Curry himself would be more than open to the front office pursuing a major superstar addition this summer.
“Obviously, any short-term, non-max deal with [Kawhi] Leonard would have to pass the strictest scrutiny in sports history,” Kawakami wrote. “No funny business this time. But if Kawhi really would take $15 million as a starting salary, the Warriors would certainly have a shot. If he came to the Warriors and they kept [Kristaps] Porziņģis and Draymond [Green], the lineup would look something like: Curry and [Brandin] Podziemski in the backcourt, Kawhi and Draymond at forward, Porziņģis at center. … Is that a championship-level rotation? It’d be the closest the Warriors could come without mortgaging every part of their future, and I think Curry would absolutely sign off on all of this.”
The Kawhi Leonard Scenario
Kawhi Leonard, currently with the Clippers, has been frequently linked to the Warriors in recent reporting. A short-term, team-friendly deal (around $15 million) would allow Golden State to keep Porziņģis and Green while adding another high-impact two-way wing. The hypothetical starting five — Curry, Podziemski, Leonard, Green, Porziņģis — would be incredibly talented on paper, blending shooting, defense, spacing, and veteran leadership.
However, Leonard’s injury history and the need for strict medical vetting make any deal high-risk. Still, the fit with Curry and Kerr’s system is undeniable, and it would give the Warriors a legitimate chance to make noise in the playoffs next season.
The LeBron James Factor
LeBron James remains the name that generates the most buzz. The 41-year-old has been connected to the Warriors in rumors for years, and recent reporting suggests the idea is gaining traction among league executives. A sign-and-trade or direct signing (likely requiring a pay cut) would create an aging but star-studded roster capable of a deep postseason run.
The emotional and competitive appeal is obvious: Curry and James, two of the greatest players of their generation, teaming up for one last ride under Steve Kerr, who coached them to Olympic gold in 2024.
The Harsh Reality
The Warriors are in an awkward spot. The roster is old, injury-prone, and lacks clear young building blocks beyond a few pieces like Podziemski. Curry is 38 and entering the final stages of his prime. Butler is 36 and coming off major knee surgery. Porziņģis has durability concerns of his own.
Any big swing — whether for Leonard, James, or another star — would come with massive risk. The team has very little future draft capital to mortgage, meaning the move would have to work immediately or risk accelerating the decline of the Curry era.
Kawakami summed it up well: this could be the final summer before Curry’s patience begins to wear thin. The four-time champion has been the ultimate competitor, but even he knows time is running out.
Final Thoughts
The Warriors are at a crossroads. A conservative offseason risks a slow fade. A bold, star-driven move — even one carrying significant injury and age risk — might be the only way to maximize whatever is left of Curry’s championship window.
Whether it’s Kawhi Leonard on a short-term deal or LeBron James in a pay-cut scenario, the front office must find a way to create one more legitimate title push. Curry has earned that much.
Warriors fans, would you be in favor of the team going all-in for a superstar like Kawhi Leonard or LeBron James this summer, even with the obvious risks? Or do you think the franchise should start a more measured rebuild around Curry’s final years?
The 2026 offseason could define the next chapter of the Warriors franchise — and it might be their last best chance to give Stephen Curry the help he deserves.