The Golden State Warriors are entering the 2026-27 season with a clear understanding of where they stand. According to Danny Emerman on the Celtics Daily podcast, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and head coach Steve Kerr recognize that another championship is no longer a realistic expectation, with their focus instead shifting toward finishing their run together “with dignity.”
Emerman said the organization understands that “a championship is probably unrealistic to strive for at this point,” reflecting the reality facing a veteran core that defined one of the NBA’s greatest dynasties over the past decade.
That reality follows a disappointing 2025-26 campaign in which Golden State finished 37-45, good for 10th place in the Western Conference before missing the playoffs. The Warriors ended the season 27 games behind the conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder and posted just a 15-26 road record while losing seven of their final 10 games.
Despite the team’s struggles, Curry continued to perform at an All-Star level in his 17th NBA season. The 38-year-old averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 43 games while shooting 46.8% from the field, 39.3% from three-point range and 92.3% from the free-throw line.
Jimmy Butler, acquired to help extend Golden State’s championship window, averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists in just 38 games. Kristaps Porzingis also battled health issues, appearing in only 15 games while averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds. The inability of the Warriors’ veteran stars to stay on the floor consistently limited the team’s ceiling throughout the season.
Green remained the club’s defensive anchor, starting all 68 games he played while averaging 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists. Brandin Podziemski continued his development with 13.8 points per game across all 82 contests, while Moses Moody added 12.1 points and knocked down 40.1% of his three-point attempts.
Golden State’s offseason reflected an organization attempting to remain competitive without sacrificing its future flexibility. The Warriors selected Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, adding a mature prospect expected to contribute immediately. They also drafted Florida State guard LaJae Jones in the second round to strengthen their backcourt depth.
Financial limitations have also shaped the Warriors’ approach. With a payroll projected to exceed $249 million, Golden State remains close to the NBA’s second apron, leaving little room to pursue significant roster upgrades. Instead, the front office prioritized continuity, re-signing Green to a one-year deal while preparing for potential long-term flexibility after the 2026-27 season.
Curry is eligible to sign a two-year extension worth up to $137 million beginning August 6, and reports have indicated that both sides are motivated to reach an agreement. The veteran guard has also made it clear he has no interest in requesting a trade, reinforcing his desire to finish his career with the franchise that drafted him.
While the Warriors still possess respected veterans in Curry, Green, Butler and Kerr, the Western Conference has become significantly younger and deeper. Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Denver, the Lakers and Houston all finished well ahead of Golden State in last season’s standings, underscoring the challenge of returning to championship contention.
Rather than chasing an increasingly unlikely title, the Warriors appear focused on giving their championship core one final opportunity to compete together while honoring the legacy that produced four NBA championships and transformed the franchise into one of basketball’s defining dynasties.
