Golden State remains Steph-centric, blend­ing a veteran core with a youthful, high-IQ cast as Curry defies age and carries the championship window. The piece frames a two-timeline path—with Kuminga, Podziemski, Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Wiseman growing around Curry while Kerr shepherds the process toward sustained contention.

Roster alchemy underlines the plan: Wiggins-for-Butler drama, Green’s extended stay, Horford’s deal, and a culture that prizes leadership and durability. Fantasy angles scream: Curry stays elite, Kuminga and Podziemski offer breakout upside, and Moody/Wiseman bring versatile fits as the Warriors chase another title run.

Bottom line for fantasy: Curry’s production remains the constant, while the young core and vets around him provide ceiling-raising possibilities as the two timelines concept plays out.

Luka Dončić’s arrival has vaulted the Lakers into a new era of win-now potential, with Rob Pelinka adding Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton to support the superstar guard. The front office is weighing a high-risk, high-reward move for Andrew Wiggins, but only after evaluating Ayton as the starting center next to Dončić. With assets stretched and a 2026 trade deadline looming, LA aims to balance defense, spacing, and depth while keeping a clear read on Ayton’s impact before tightening the roster further.

Wiggins remains an enticing, potentially game-changing wing if the price is right, but the Lakers will likely stall until Ayton proves he can anchor the frontline. The Warriors’ Wiggins-Butler trade history and Heat ties add a complex layer to the market, making Pelinka’s decision a test of timing, asset management, and the willingness to gamble for a title window now rather than later.

Tyler Herro will miss the start of 2025-26 after left ankle surgery, with an eight-week timeline. Miami plugs in Norman Powell, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, and rookie Kel'el Ware as they open Oct. 22 at Orlando.

Powell steps into Herro's role; his 3-point stroke (41.8% last season) should spark spacing while Herro heals. Herro averaged 23.9 PPG and 5.5 APG and earned an All-Star nod. The Heat, coming off a playoff exit to Cleveland, sit in the middle of East contention with odds around +4500 to win the conference.