There’s change afoot in the Bay Area. No Dub Nation – this isn’t the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade you wanted. But this is more so to do with an ownership decision. GSW Sports, the company that owns the Warriors, has had a name change. Say hello to Golden State. The multi-million dollar company has its foot in multiple ventures – one of which could aid Stephen Curry’s recovery from injury.

“We talked about going from a basketball team to a sports and entertainment company,” Golden State president Brandon Schneider said in a video interview. “I think the name that brings it all together is overdue.” Apart from the Warriors, Golden State owns WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries, G League’s Santa Cruz Warriors, production company Golden State Entertainment, an 11-acre mixed-use development Thrive City, and the $1.4 billion Chase Center.

The Valkyries kick off their inaugural WNBA season at the Chase on May 16th. This is just two days before the Warriors take on the Timberwolves in Game 6 of their semi-final series, which is tied at 1-1. And Stephen Curry is due to be out until then, at least. Is this a coincidence? This game could mean an extra day off for the Chef.

Every single day counts. A Grade I hamstring strain puts you out for 7-10 days at most, according to credible sports doctors. And according to that timeline, it’s still Game 5. This isn’t what the Dub Nation needed – if things go like in Game 2, they could’ve seen the last of their GOAT for the season. But it gets worse. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Steve Kerr’s plan of treatment puts Steph out for even longer.

Shams Charania gives worrying update on Steph

When Stephen Curry walked into the locker room, you could hear the Bay Area’s silence all the way in Minnesota. They know they need him despite having Jimmy Butler fit and firing. But they know their Gotham is far from safe – after Shams confirmed that Stephen Curry’s injury won’t get him back on the court until Game 6 at the earliest.

“He’s really been limited to just doing treatment and he’s gonna be reevaluated on Wednesday, which means he’s definitely out. Game 2 he missed, Game 3, Game 4, so he’s gonna miss at least three games… My understanding is it’s probably not gonna be at any point until game six at the earliest for Stephen Curry,” said Shams on The Pat McAfee Show.

Steph’s absence gave Steve Kerr the choice to give others an opportunity. He switched to a surprising 12-man rotation, which quickly became 14 when a comeback was off the cards in their 93-117 loss. Then arose the young duo of Trayce Jackson-Davis and Jonathan Kuminga, who capitalized with 15 and 18 points, respectively. Now that they have a clearer idea of Curry’s return – Kerr would’ve had plans in place.

Could the Valkyrie’s inaugural WNBA game give Stephen Curry the extra day to recover? Possibly. That still won’t stop him being ruled out till Game 6 at least.