Golden State's 2025-26 outlook centers on Curry and Green as the steady core, with nine players signed and Jonathan Kuminga's future in flux. Horford, Melton and Payton II could bolster defense and depth if Kuminga stays or moves via a sign-and-trade. Green’s upbeat tone and Butler’s offseason pairing with him hint at a deeper playoff push once the roster is stabilized. The Warriors must navigate aging cores, upside, and cap implications for a sharper Western run.

Injuries to Curry and Butler in the previous run underscored the need for reliable wings and veteran glue. If Kuminga remains, he carries seismic upside; if traded, the rotation shifts to balance youth with veteran presences. The mix hinges on Kuminga’s deal, the arrival of Horford/Melton/GP II, and a durable, defense-first trajectory around Curry and Green.