The Golden State Warriors entered the 2025-26 season with high hopes—Stephen Curry leading a revamped roster that looked like it could make a legitimate push toward the NBA Finals. Fast forward to late January 2026, and the reality is far more complicated. After a tough 123-115 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night (January 22), the Warriors sit at 25-21, good for 8th in the Western Conference and third in the Pacific Division. They’re clinging to play-in territory in a loaded West, but the path forward just got a lot rockier.
The biggest blow came earlier this week: star forward Jimmy Butler III suffered a season-ending torn right ACL during a win over the Miami Heat on January 19. The 36-year-old veteran, who had been a key two-way force since joining Golden State, went down awkwardly in the third quarter and will undergo surgery. His absence leaves a massive hole at forward—Butler was averaging solid production while providing veteran leadership and defensive grit. The injury not only derails the current season but forces the front office to rethink everything with the NBA trade deadline looming on February 5.
Adding to the chaos, Jonathan Kuminga—long a trade rumor magnet—returned to the rotation post-Butler injury but suffered a minor left knee hyperextension and twisted ankle during the Mavericks game. Kuminga, who had demanded a trade earlier this month amid limited minutes and contract frustrations, played just nine minutes before exiting. He’s expected to get an MRI, but the setback underscores the instability. Kuminga, the No. 7 pick in 2021, remains adamant about wanting out, and sources indicate the Warriors are open to moving him if the right deal emerges—though the market has been described as “cool.”
Post-game in Dallas, Curry was blunt when asked about trade plans. “I’m not talking about that right now,” he said. “I don’t need any existential thoughts right now.” The four-time champ is laser-focused on winning games, refusing to get drawn into speculation. It’s classic Curry—stay in the moment, lead by example. And he’s backing it up on the court: in 35 games this season, he’s averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals on 46.8% shooting from the field and 38.7% from deep. Those numbers are actually up from last year, a testament to his elite play even as the supporting cast struggles to keep pace.
The Mavericks game highlighted the issues: Despite Curry dropping a game-high 38 points (including becoming the first player in NBA history with 10,000 three-point attempts), Golden State couldn’t overcome defensive lapses and a lack of secondary scoring. Naji Marshall exploded for 30 points and nine assists to lead Dallas to their fourth straight win. The Warriors have been inconsistent—strong home stretches mixed with road struggles—and Butler’s injury has amplified the need for reinforcements.
So, what could Golden State do before February 5? GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. has emphasized not overspending for short-term fixes, but the team needs wing/forward help to support Curry and Draymond Green. Rumors are swirling around several names:
- Andrew Wiggins: The former Warrior (traded away in prior deals) has been linked as a potential reunion target, per reports from ClutchPoints. His defensive versatility and familiarity with the system make sense.
- DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine: Both Bulls/Kings-linked vets have surfaced as scoring options, though their contracts and fit raise questions.
- Lauri Markkanen: The Utah Jazz star remains a dream target for his shooting and spacing, though acquiring him would likely require significant assets, possibly involving third teams and draft picks.
Other blockbuster ideas floating include big swings, but Dunleavy’s approach suggests measured moves—perhaps packaging Kuminga for salary-matching pieces that add immediate help without gutting the future. The Warriors aren’t tanking; with Curry still performing at an MVP level, they’re in win-now mode. But without Butler and with Kuminga’s status uncertain, the deadline could be make-or-break.
Fans, buckle up—the next two weeks promise fireworks. Curry’s leadership and scoring keep hope alive, but Golden State needs that one (or two) key additions to turn “contender questions” into real playoff momentum. Skol to the Dubs faithful—Steph’s not done fighting, and neither should the front office.