Warriors Struggle as Trade Deadline Looms, Curry’s Window Narrows

TORONTO — The Golden State Warriors, once a dominant force in the NBA, are now grappling with a stark reality as their season spirals downward. After a promising 12-3 start, the team has plummeted to a 19-20 record, with a dismal 7-17 stretch since Nov. 23. Their recent loss to the 9-31 Toronto Raptors on Monday night has further deepened concerns about their playoff prospects and Stephen Curry’s dwindling championship window.

Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the team’s struggles, emphasizing the need for realism while balancing the present and future. “We’re not giving in,” Kerr told The Athletic. “But you have to be realistic organizationally about where you are. And you have to mind what’s coming ahead in the future.” Kerr, along with Curry and Draymond Green, has cautioned against sacrificing future assets for short-term gains, even as the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaches.

The Warriors’ woes stem from a combination of aging stars, inconsistent performances from younger players, and front-office missteps. The 2020 draft selection of James Wiseman, who failed to develop into the rim-protecting center the team envisioned, remains a glaring mistake. While Jonathan Kuminga has shown flashes of potential, his growth has been uneven, and injuries have further hampered his progress. Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski have also struggled to secure consistent roles.

Offseason acquisitions have not provided the expected boost. De’Anthony Melton, signed to bolster the roster, suffered a season-ending ACL injury after just six games. His replacement, Dennis Schröder, has been underwhelming, shooting just 34 percent from the field and 26 percent from beyond the arc. Buddy Hield, brought in for his shooting prowess, has also faltered, making fewer than 30 percent of his 3-point attempts in recent weeks.

Despite the challenges, Curry remains committed to the team’s long-term vision. “Desperate trades or desperate moves that deplete the future, there is a responsibility on keeping the franchise in a good space,” Curry said after the loss to the Raptors. “Doesn’t mean that you’re not trying to get better, doesn’t mean that you’re not active in any type of search.”

The Warriors are reportedly exploring options to add a stretch center, with Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vučević emerging as a potential target. However, the team is wary of overpaying or sacrificing future assets. “This is a tricky spot,” Kerr admitted. “We’ve got to try to give Steph every chance he has to perform. That’s really important these last few years, whatever that means. But you don’t give away the future.”

As the Warriors navigate this precarious phase, Kerr emphasized the importance of maintaining the organization’s integrity. “We want to maintain what has made us the Warriors,” he said. “That means we have to keep fighting. But it means handling the pain and the indignity of losing with a dignified response.”

With Curry under contract for the next two and a half seasons, the Warriors are determined to honor his legacy while preparing for the future. “What we’re watching with Steph is one of the greatest artists of all time, one of the greatest performers of all time, in his twilight,” Kerr said. “What can we do to give him the best chance to perform?”