The Golden State Warriors made a huge splash during the trade deadline. The move for Jimmy Butler immediately paid its dividend. In 19 games, the Bay has won 16 since the former disgruntled Heat star joined their lineup. It boosted their championship aspirations in what is perceived as the final stretch for Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Their contracts reflect the same. But what about after that?
As it turns out, there is no foundation for the future. The Warriors purposely gave Butler a contract that ends at the same time as Curry. As much as they didn’t want to unsettle the future, this was a decision to feed the present. The objective is to allow The Chef and the Warriors’ decorated core a three-year window to fight for a title.
Within the franchise, everyone knows it. “The contracts are all lined up with a defined timeline. You never know what will happen. But that’s not by accident. So I don’t think anyone’s worried about anything other than right now. We have this year and next year to go for it all. Whatever happens after that is the nature of the NBA,” Curry said about the same.
Feb 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) is congratulated by guard Stephen Curry (30) after a basket against the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
So the veteran trio of Green, Curry, and Butler who are all over 35 years of age is treating this as their last act. However, as they age, the road is bound to get tougher. Steve Kerr understands that. But he is willing to fight through the adversity if it means it gives the Warriors even one more magical run.
“I’m sure there will be difficult moments in the next few years. But that’s the league. I don’t shy away from that. Jimmy’s an incredibly smart, prideful player. The league is tough. There are going to be moments where it’s not going to be as smooth as it is right now, but that’s fine. It’s part of it,” the Warriors head coach mentioned.
So whatever happens, the Warriors’ priority for the next few years is to do what it takes to bolster Stephen Curry and Co’s chances at winning another championship. After that, they begin with a refreshing start. And that doesn’t just come with the players.
The end of an era is near
It was eleven years ago that the Golden State Warriors first painted themselves as NBA champions. That began the reign which would create milestones and beat NBA history. As much as Stephen Curry and the other pioneers made it happen, one man changed their structure altogether. Steve Kerr’s introduction led to the Bay crossing the hump.
In his 10 seasons, his coaching ideologies and culture changed the Warriors’ outlook as a franchise. He is a decisive part of the franchise being viewed as a perennial contender. His ability to win over the locker room and empower his players helped unlock the promising potential that existed in their core.
Even as some parts of it such as Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala left, Kerr has remained evergreen. He shared a great connection with each of them. But what he has with Stephen Curry trumps it all. So although he hasn’t said anything for certain, the renowned head coach did signal that he will follow the sharpshooters to the doors once he does retire.
“I think every coaching job has an expiration date, and I think it’s important for all parties involved to be aware of that. So, there’s probably something to that… I love coaching these guys every day and I’m just going to keep plugging away with them and see what we can accomplish, and then we’ll worry about all that stuff later,” he told 95.7 The Game.
So these next three years could very well be the last of the Warriors’ championship heritage. After this what follows is a complete sweep to build a franchise with a new identity. As exciting as it is, it also puts into perspective just how crucial these remaining seasons are. And although aging, Stephen Curry and Co. want to go down fighting as they have showcased with their recovery this season.
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