The Golden State Warriors might have chosen to run it back with the same squad for next season, but the franchise is approaching one of the most important crossroads in its recent NBA history.
Unless extensions are agreed upon, their three stars, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, are all set to become unrestricted free agents in the summer of 2027. That means the Warriors could potentially lose the core of their championship leadership within the next year.
The biggest decision, without a doubt, revolves around Stephen Curry.
The two-time MVP is entering the final year of his current contract, where he is set to earn $62.5 million. The expectation around the league is that the Warriors will offer Curry a two-year, $136 million extension to ensure the greatest player in franchise history finishes his career in the Bay Area.
After all, Curry continues to perform at an elite level. Despite being limited to just 43 games last season due to injuries, the 38-year-old averaged 26.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range.
These numbers clearly indicate that he is worthy of another massive contract extension. But the Warriors’ very quiet offseason also creates a rather interesting situation. The Warriors missed out on every major star they chased, including LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown, and have instead chosen to largely run back the same roster.
Reports have suggested that Curry could use his contract negotiations as leverage to push the front office into making more aggressive moves. A trade request appears highly unlikely, given Curry’s desire to finish his career with Golden State.
But those contract negotiations will undoubtedly become one of the biggest storylines of next offseason.
Jimmy Butler’s future is far less certain, though.
The veteran forward is entering the final year of his two-year, $110.9 million contract and will make about $56.8 million next season. Before suffering a torn ACL, Butler averaged 20.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting 51.9% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range in 38 games.
The problem, of course, will be his health. Butler is still recovering from a serious knee injury, and he’ll turn 37 before entering free agency next season. If he wants to secure another significant contract extension from the Warriors, he will have to show that he can return to his previous All-Star level.
Otherwise, the Warriors may decide against committing any long-term money to an aging star coming off a major injury.
Draymond Green’s situation is definitely different.
Green recently signed a one-year, $27.7 million extension after declining his player option earlier this offseason. Many expected the forward to opt out and sign a longer-term deal, which would have given the Warriors flexibility as they pursued LeBron James in free agency.
But once the Warriors failed to land LeBron, they ultimately gave Green the new deal, with the same salary, on a new one-year agreement. Last season, Green averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 41.8% from the field and 32.6% from three-point range.
He still remained the team’s defensive anchor and leader. The Warriors still believe he can bring value both on and off the court. But by structuring his deal this way, Green will also hit unrestricted free agency in 2027 alongside Curry and Butler.
That creates a very unique situation for the Golden State Warriors. If Curry signs his expected extension, the Warriors will definitely continue building around him.
But Butler’s recovery and his long-term future with the organization are still in doubt.
For now, the Warriors are betting that running it back with the same group gives them one more chance. By 2027, the Warriors could be facing the end of one of the greatest eras in NBA history.
