Last year, the Golden State Warriors looked revitalized after the mid-season trade that brought Jimmy Butler on board. The team found new energy and meshed with Jimmy Butler’s intensity, pushing Golden State to a dominant 23-7 record with him in the lineup. But the Warriors’ momentum came to a halt in the second round of the playoffs when Curry suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring strain during Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Without their star point guard, Golden State lost all four games in which he did not play, culminating in a 121–110 Game 5 defeat that ended their season. The absence of Curry’s scoring and playmaking proved insurmountable, even with Butler’s contributions. But despite their unfortunate exit from the playoffs and doubts surrounding the longevity of their dynasty, an ex-Warriors player is still optimistic about their chances.

DeMarcus Cousins, former Warrior and multi-time NBA All-Star, isn’t buying the doubts. On Instagram, he said: “You combine the history of this team with Steph Curry, Draymond, Steve Kerr, you add a winner like Jimmy Butler to that puzzle piece, it’s giving some type of success. I do think they have a chance at getting one more before this dynasty is actually over. The guys are up in age … but they’re talented enough, experienced enough, and good enough to get another one in the next couple years.”

Jimmy Butler provides the Warriors with a proven postseason stabilizer. After being traded from the Heat, he averaged 17.9 points and 5.9 assists, underscoring his ability to deliver under pressure. His inside-the-arc scoring (7.1 Free Throws per game) allows Golden State to run versatile lineups, mixing defensive switching schemes and half-court efficiency that teammates like Kuminga struggled to replicate.

Cousins also pointed to Golden State’s enduring defensive identity as a foundation. “One thing about the Warriors, when they have a good defensive team, they’re always a threat. They’re always going to be a threat with Steph Curry,” he said. Even last season, the Warriors maintained a defensive rating of 111.7, which ranked 7th in the league, with Draymond as the anchoring centerpiece, proving that their system, culture, and experience can still compete at an elite level.

At 37, Stephen Curry continues to defy expectations. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 24.5 points and ranked third in total three-pointers made with 311. His highs included a remarkable 56-point game against Orlando and a 52-point outing versus Memphis. Despite his individual success, Curry remains aware of the challenges ahead.

“We’re gonna find out. I think we can. I like the identity that we have… Obviously, we have to stay healthy… That’s the beautiful challenge of this game,” he remarked, acknowledging the Warriors’ need for sustained health and cohesion to contend for another title, something that ended their previous run.

Beyond individual numbers, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green excel in high-leverage situations. Last season, Golden State’s net rating was +5.1 when the duo played together, showing their ability to push games in their favor. Green’s playmaking also creates spacing opportunities, ranking second on the team in assists, which often sparks critical scoring sequences in tight playoff contests.

Age and health are the biggest uncertainties. With Curry, Green, and Butler all over 35, a single injury could derail the plan. Younger teammates must step up to maintain defensive pressure and energy. While the veterans offer a final shot at a championship, the future of the dynasty truly rests on the team’s young talent, with all eyes on Jonathan Kuminga.

Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation

Jonathan Kuminga enters restricted free agency at a pivotal point in both his career and the Warriors’ future. The 22-year-old forward delivered a career-best season in 2024–25, averaging 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds on 45.4% shooting. He also showed flashes of star potential in the playoffs, including a 30-point outburst against the Timberwolves in the second round after Steph went down. Once seen as a developmental piece, Kuminga has quickly become central to Golden State’s hopes of balancing an aging core with younger talent.

After Josh Giddey and Cam Thomas finalized their restricted free agencies earlier this month, Kuminga’s potential decision has taken center stage. Golden State reportedly offered him a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option in 2026, signaling faith in his growth but leaving long-term control with the team. His camp has pushed for a player option instead, which would give him flexibility and leverage if his upward trajectory continues. If no agreement is reached, the fallback is the $7.9 million qualifying offer, essentially a one-year bet on himself, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2026. With the October 1 deadline approaching, the pressure on both sides is mounting.

The standoff has stalled Golden State’s roster building, leaving the team with just nine players officially under contract. Beyond the numbers, Kuminga’s situation cuts to the heart of the Warriors’ long-term identity. If they can secure him, the front office gains a young, athletic wing who can grow alongside, or eventually replace, the current stars.

But if Kuminga chooses short-term flexibility, the Warriors face the risk of losing him for nothing, a devastating blow for a franchise already fighting against age, injuries, and the shrinking window of their dynasty. His decision could shape not just this season, but whether Golden State has a future beyond Curry, Green, and Butler.