19-21. A record that feels eerily familiar to Dub Nation. After 40 games this season, the Warriors sit just one win better than their 18-20 mark at this time last year. Deja vu, anyone? But here’s the kicker: this time, it feels… different. The energy is off. The Bay Area is restless. And Monday’s loss to the Toronto Raptors? Let’s just say it didn’t help. Then came the real plot twist—Stephen Curry’s post-game comments. Cue the drama, backlash, and odd speculations.

The 36-year-old superstar’s “Desperate trade or desperate moves that deplete the future…” statement to the media after losing 101-104 to the Raptors on Monday seems out of place. Curry usually isn’t the kind of person to sound so morbid. Moreover, the Dub Nation surely did not want to hear their hero say such a thing. Is Stephen Curry losing hope for the team he’s spent 16 seasons with?

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective dissected Curry’s statement to understand what’s going on with the point guard and the Warriors front office. Tim Bontemps noted: “If you’re Mike Dunleavy in the front office with Warriors, it’s very simple to look at this and say there’s no reason for us to chase goo after bad right now.” But well, he’s the GM, and he gets to decide whether the team needs a shake-up in the roster or not. However, for Stephen Curry to say something about the trades seems off.

NBA reporters break down Stephen Curry’s words as All-Star guard faces backlash

Looking at the Golden State Warriors‘ current condition, they need something to alter their fate. Maybe the Basketball Gods need to smile at them a bit? Meanwhile, Brian Windhorst takes his moment to understand the psyche behind Stephen Curry’s bold comment. But first, let’s see what the 36YO guard said. “Desperate trades or desperate moves that deplete the future, there is a responsibility on keeping the franchise in a good space and good spot when it comes to where we leave this thing when we’re done.” 

“That’s something for Mike Dunleavy to say. That’s not something you expect a star player to say in mid-January,” the Insider commented. “It may be something a star player says after you don’t do a deal at the deadline. And, I don’t think what’s surprising is his analysis, which I’d have referred to as basically, he’s at the acceptance stage of loss. His analysis isn’t surprising that he would say it at this point. I think it’s a real referendum.”

As part of management, Dunleavy should be the one to typically comment on team strategy or trade decisions, while players focus on performance and games. However, Curry’s statement seems to address broader team issues. The ESPN insider finds this unusual for a star player mid-season. Such comments are usually made after the trade deadline when plans are clearer. The star’s tone is coming from someone who’s made peace with his team’s far-from-ideal reality.

Brian Windhorst added: “I assume he said this to the front office too, right? If he’s made it clear, well my assumption is he’s said that they’ve had the conversation with the front office. And, you know, Steph is an extremely intelligent, media-savvy guy. For him to say this now, weeks before the trade deadline, I think it’s an intentional way to ease the pressure on the front office and kind of turn down the temperature on the whole thing.” 

Windhorst believes Stephen Curry‘s statement was deliberate. He assumes Curry has already shared these thoughts with the front office. He is smart and media-savvy, so saying this before the trade deadline seems intentional. Windhorst thinks it’s Curry’s way of easing pressure on the front office and cooling the situation. However, cooling seems like a far-fetched matter in the current situation. Standing 12th in the Western Conference isn’t ideal.

Besides, as per Tim Bontemps, the Warriors are looking ahead to bounce back and come to the OKC Thunder level, which might be the highest level of excellence this season. With a 33-6 record SGA & co. are leading the show in the West. And well, in the current situation, OKC is far from the Dubs’ reach.

NBA insiders explore the idea of Zach LaVine and Jimmy Butler to Warriors

While Stephen Curry’s statement has sent shockwaves in the basketball community, a new idea is being widely talked about. What if the Golden State Warriors front office bid for Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine and Miami’s suspended star Jimmy Butler?

Tim Bontemps commented: “We’re talking about a Warriors team that as of right now is sitting one game below 500. They’re in 12th place in the West.” The team is behind the San Antonio Spurs. “It’s very hard to sit here right now and argue that this Golden State team should try to push in their chips. Particularly when they’re going to try to push their chips. let’s say some star play becomes available.”

Well, speaking of available, Jimmy Butler is available and the Chicago Bulls are willing to trade Zach LaVine. But will Joe Lacob be willing to pay Butler his $113 million or the $121 million the Phoenix Suns are willing to give? Or will they be up for LaVine’s $215 million? However, if they tread the trade market smartly then there might be a fair chance. Bontemps chipped in: “They’ve got their draft picks and they’ve got Jonathan Kuminga. He’s maybe the guy that they’d put into a deal to get a deal done. He’s out for an extended period of time with an ankle sprain now.”

Simply put, the Warriors need to find someone who could carry on Stephen Curry’s legacy with the team. He’s not going to be around for long, this means he’ll hang his boot one day. And then what? And maybe Zach LaVine and Jimmy Butler might not even be the solution to the problems Steve is facing with the team. What truly lies ahead for the Warriors is a big question that is seeking answers.