The Golden State Warriors maintain the resources and financial flexibility to construct another championship contender around Stephen Curry, according to NBA analyst Brian Windhorst.
Despite failing to acquire star players this offseason, including reported pursuits of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, and LeBron James, the Warriors' window of opportunity has not yet closed, Windhorst stated on ESPN's "Get Up." James ultimately signed with Philadelphia.
Last season, Golden State finished with a 37-45 record and missed the playoffs after a play-in tournament loss. With key players like Jimmy Butler recovering from a torn ACL and Moses Moody from a major knee injury, the offensive burden is expected to fall heavily on the 38-year-old Curry.
"They absolutely are not championship contenders right now," Windhorst said. "But Steph Curry has said he wants to play multiple more years, and the Warriors have a lot of draft pick equity, and they have a lot of flexibility financially going forward."
Windhorst pointed to the Philadelphia 76ers' offseason as an example of how quickly a team's outlook can change. The 76ers, who were not expected to make significant moves, added both Brown and James.
Curry's contract situation could be pivotal. With one season remaining on his current deal, he is eligible for a potential two-year extension reportedly worth $136.7 million. Windhorst suggested that the Warriors could ask Curry to defer signing an extension. If Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler were to reach free agency next summer, Golden State could potentially free up approximately $90 million in cap space for a significant roster overhaul.
This approach carries inherent risks, including Curry forgoing long-term security and the uncertainty of which stars might become available. It would also require trust in the front office's ability to attract talent, especially as Curry moves further into his late 30s.
However, Windhorst’s central argument is that Golden State still possesses the necessary assets and flexibility to rebuild. The team may face a challenging 2026-27 season during Butler and Moody's recovery, but the tools to reshape the roster remain available.