The 2025-2026 NBA Season is an important one for Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Some key considerations include the retention of a solid veteran core and the unresolved issues surrounding unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga; it is uncertain how far this team can go. After a 48-34 record and a Western Conference Semifinals exit in their 2024-25 campaign, the former juggernaut must navigate and balance their key players aging, a loaded Western Conference, and maximizing the greatness of Curry to compete for more championships.

Important Factors 

The Golden State Warriors were able to retain their core of Stephen Curry (37), Draymond Green (35), and Jimmy Butler (36), who was acquired via trade from the Miami Heat last season. Despite this, questions are looming over their upcoming season, as they have yet to make any noise in free agency.

The biggest news regarding new talent in the Bay is Al Horford's potential signing with the team. According to Ryan Stano of Sports Illustrated, speaking on the situation, "That situation seems to be holding up several free agents, but it looks like Horford has made an official decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors for next season."

This shows how much the uncertainty of Kuminga's future in Golden State is weighing on the franchise. Vishwesha Kumar of Yahoo! Sports noted how teams such as the Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, and Charlotte Hornets were named as potential suitors for Kuminga. Still, ultimately, none of them closed a deal.

Despite their inactivity in free agency, the Warriors are still expected to compete and won't be a walk-in-the-park to beat. They will likely win around the same number of games they won last year; Rohan Brahmbhatt of Yahoo! Sports predicts a 47-35 2025-26 season, which is only one fewer win and one more loss. Considering all these factors, it is hard to imagine the Golden State Warriors having the stamina and depth needed for a Finals run with all the talent in the NBA today.

The Western Conference Landscape

The Western Conference is the belly of the beast and remains filled with formidable opponents. The reigning NBA champions are the Oklahoma City Thunder, and other high-quality contenders are around: The Houston Rockets I(with newly acquired bucket-getter Kevin Durant), Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, and Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves, are top-flight teams, just to name a few. All of these other teams had similar or better records than the Warriors last season, which is something to keep in mind.

Reality for the Warriors likely looks like them obtaining the sixth seed in the Western Conference and avoiding the play-in tournament, where they landed themselves in during the 2021, 2024, and 2025 seasons, with a 1-3 record. It is unlikely for them to make a deep playoff run unless they make a significant move or two and Curry plays at an all-time level.

All that said, the Warriors still have the best shooter on the planet, who is expected to continue to shoot the lights out and play great basketball. Jimmy Butler should remain a problem for individuals on the defensive end while maintaining a steady scoring average and playing all-around. Barring injury, the heart and soul of the Warriors, Draymond Green, should continue bringing energy, defensive tenacity, and rebounding to help them achieve their goals.

This Season Will Speak Volumes for the Future of Golden State

Ultimately, the 2025-26 season is a defining moment for the Golden State Warriors, and they must act with urgency to keep their championship hopes alive and maximize Curry's talent in such a small window. Despite this, Curry has extreme confidence for the coming season, as seen in this quote from the sharpshooter:

With the hopes of Curry gaining his fifth championship, the upcoming season remains dependent on the core of the team to perform at a high level on a nightly basis and the front office to address the current roster needs. This season is crucial for the franchise and could foreshadow a resurgence or the end of a dynasty.