It’s almost unimaginable to picture the Warriors without Stephen Curry or Draymond Green, two cornerstones of the franchise for over a decade. However, the team’s ongoing struggles during the 2024-25 season have led some to question whether Curry and Green have a long-term future in Golden State.
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor has suggested that the Warriors should consider “blowing up” the roster and building around their younger talents, such as Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Trayce Jackson-Davis.
“Trading Steph and Draymond isn’t an easy conversation, but it’s a necessary one,” O’Connor wrote on January 21. “The Celtics faced a similar situation in 2013 with [Paul] Pierce and KG [Kevin Garnett] and are still reaping the benefits. The Warriors need to decide if they’re ready to take the same step — or if they’re willing to watch the dynasty fade away.”
Should the Warriors Emulate the Celtics?
As O’Connor noted, the Celtics made a bold but unpopular choice in 2013, trading Hall of Famers Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Nets. In return, Boston acquired future first-round picks that turned into Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown — two superstars who helped the Celtics secure their 18th championship banner in 2024.
O’Connor argues that the 2024-25 Warriors find themselves at a similar crossroads as the 2012-13 Celtics.
“The Warriors are facing the same dilemma with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green,” he wrote. “Steph turns 37 in three months, and while he remains a top-10 player, his scoring output and efficiency are declining. He’s averaging 23 points on 17.1 shots per game — his lowest production since Golden State’s pre-playoff days. Defensively, he’s becoming a target as he’s no longer as quick laterally.”
“Draymond, who turns 35 in March, is still an elite defensive player but no longer in his prime. He’s also dealing with more injuries, including back and calf issues that have sidelined him, while Curry has been hampered by a knee injury. The signs of decline are clear, and time isn’t slowing down.”
Curry, Green Resist Drastic Changes
Amid the speculation, both Curry and Green have voiced their opposition to making drastic roster moves.
In a media session on January 13, Curry cautioned against making “desperate” trades solely to satisfy fans or secure a playoff spot this season.
“Desperate trades or moves that compromise the future don’t make sense,” Curry said. “There’s a responsibility to leave the franchise in a good position when we’re done. That doesn’t mean you’re not trying to improve or being active in trade or free agency markets. It just means being smart about it.”
Green echoed Curry’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of not sacrificing the team’s long-term future.
“Steve Kerr, Steph, and I all agree that mortgaging the future just to win now is not the right move,” Green told Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill. “Bad teams and bad organizations do that. We’re neither.”
Green added, “If something is going to happen, it has to be the right move. We’re not going to panic and make the wrong decision. That’s how you set your organization back five to seven years.”
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