The Golden State Warriors are beginning to show signs of decline, even as Steph Curry continues delivering All-Star caliber performances. With the roster outside of Curry not as formidable as before, the team’s competitive edge has weakened. When Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending ACL injury, the Warriors intensified their search for reinforcements, with Giannis Antetokounmpo emerging as the top target amid trade speculation.
Although there was excitement about Golden State pursuing Giannis, the possibility quickly diminished as he remained with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Warriors still require key additions to improve their chances, but recent moves, such as sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to acquire the injury-prone Kristaps Porzingis, have done little to ease concerns. General Manager Mike Dunleavy acknowledges that more major efforts will be necessary this summer to elevate the team.
Mike Dunleavy Committed to Doing Whatever It Takes
Dunleavy has not abandoned hopes for the current roster, still viewing the team as very much in a win-now phase. With Curry averaging 27.2 points per game while facing relentless defensive pressure, the GM reiterated that the Warriors are prepared to make bold moves. After the Porzingis trade, Dunleavy made clear his willingness to part with young players or first-round draft picks if it meant bolstering the team’s immediate chances of success.
We’re willing to do whatever it takes to improve this team, whether it’s young players or first round picks. We always have been, we always will be as long as we are in this “win now
window,” stated Dunleavy to Warriors media.
This firm stance has brought some optimism to fans, who often doubt front offices’ commitment to contention. Although the Warriors may struggle to make a deep playoff run this year, their determination to compete remains clear.
Warriors’ Performance Before and After Key Injuries
Before Butler’s injury, Golden State was trending upward in the competitive Western Conference. Dunleavy noted the team’s strong performance in the past year despite setbacks.
Over the last calendar year we’ve had the 4th best record in the NBA. Since Jimmy got traded to when he got hurt.
So despite the idea that we’re not in the mix, we’re fading, all this stuff, the reality is up until Jimmy got hurt we were pretty good and I think we were trending in the right direction,
Dunleavy added.
Now we’ve had to pivot a little bit. I think adding Kristaps can help, but you know this group is what it is.
While the addition of Porzingis is seen as a hopeful improvement, Dunleavy acknowledges that the current roster has limitations and the team will need to navigate these realities as they move forward.
Warriors’ Strategy Beyond Giannis Trade Possibility
When questioned about whether the uncertainty surrounding Giannis’s trade availability influenced their deadline moves, Dunleavy responded that the team’s actions, including acquiring Porzingis, were independent of that situation.
I don’t think it did because we ended up making a move here to get Kristaps, so I guess for that reason it didn’t really effect anything,
he explained. Despite Giannis remaining with Milwaukee, the Warriors were clearly intent on making active roster changes rather than standing still.
The Challenge of Balancing Dynasty Legacy and Present Reality
Golden State finds itself in a difficult position, caught between preserving what remains of their championship-era success and accepting their current limitations. Curry’s prime years are not infinite, and the franchise must avoid squandering this window. Acquiring an injury-prone star like Porzingis signals belief that a few strategic moves might still restore their threat level, even if they are no longer the dominant force of years past.
The Warriors occupy an uncomfortable middle ground — too competitive to embark on a full rebuild but short of the dominance needed to intimidate opponents. How they manage the next couple of seasons will shape whether this chapter ends with dignity or fades away slowly and awkwardly.
Mike Dunleavy when asked about possibility of using first rounders in a non-Giannis deal: “We’re willing to do whatever it takes to improve this team, whether it’s young players or first round picks.” pic.twitter.com/8UHhC6Q8pE
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 8, 2026
