Fans Think Stephen Curry Sent a Trade Demand to Mike Dunleavy After Disheartening NBA Cup Confession

You almost never hear “Steph Curry” and “bad shot” in the same breath, but Wednesday night proved to be an exception. With the Warriors battling the Rockets in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, Curry took a rushed three-pointer in the final moments. It wasn’t just ill-timed—it might’ve cost Golden State their trip to Vegas. For someone as legendary as Steph, known for hitting impossible shots under pressure, this one just felt off. Even superheroes have their off days, right? But it looks like Curry is tired of carrying the Warriors on his back.

He seriously needs help. Brandin Podziemski attempted a three in the last seconds but it was blocked. He said after the game, “It’s a team trying to figure out who you are. What works, what sets? We need to be in some teams you know selling out on kind of our standard pick and roll, which I usually can make plays.” But someone has to finish those plays, right?

He further added, “When you lose everything is on full display. The pattern of, you know, scoreless kind of droughts down and down the stretch, it has to be addressed or else. We’re going to be a mediocre team.”

So what’s going to stop them from being a mediocre team? Fans are thinking it’s Cam Johnson and Dennis Schroder.

The Brooklyn Nets have the help that Stephen Curry requires

One fan wrote “Make the call @StephenCurry30” along with a picture of Cam Johnson. This points to a growing sentiment among fans that the Warriors need a spark, possibly even a roster shake-up. Bringing in a reliable wing player like Johnson, known for his shooting efficiency and composure, could help alleviate the burden on Curry during critical moments. Johnson’s ability to space the floor and knock down big shots might be exactly what the Warriors need to close out games more effectively.

“It’s time,” said another fan with a picture of Johnson and Schroder. It signals a turning point for the Warriors, reflecting the frustration of fans who believe changes are overdue. Golden State can no longer ignore their struggles in crunch time after collapsing late in the game against the Rockets. Whether it’s integrating fresh talent, like a dependable scorer or playmaker, or tightening up execution in pivotal moments, something has to give.

Another netizen decoded this message by Steph. “Code for: Make a trade Mike,” they wrote. This is a direct call for Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. to take action after another frustrating loss fans think. With Jordan Poole gone and new additions still finding their footing, fans are impatient for Dunleavy to step in and make a move.

Whether it’s a scoring wing, a reliable ball-handler, or a defensive anchor, the team needs a boost. Dunleavy has a tough job in balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, but fans aren’t willing to wait. One fan has identified the problem with a lot of accuracy.

They tweeted, “Problem is you’re their best ball handler and also their best scorer. One more ball handler who can win off the dribble will help tremendously.” While Curry’s more than capable of carrying both the scoring and playmaking load, expecting him to do both—especially when the game’s on the line—is asking a lot, even from someone like him. I mean, the guy’s a walking highlight reel, but he’s human too.

The Warriors have a ton of talent, but when it comes down to those nail-biting, crunch-time moments, they need another guy who can step up, create plays, and ease some of that pressure off Curry. Think of it like needing a Robin to Batman—Curry can’t save the day every time.

“no steph just request a trade at this point to let the front office know they need to make a trade,” said another fan. The front office has had time to address this issue, yet the same struggles persist, leaving fans wondering if drastic measures like a trade request from Curry would finally light a fire under management to make moves. While no one wants to see Curry leave, the idea behind this reaction is clear: a superstar of his caliber deserves better support.