The last decade has been a golden era for the Warriors. A dynasty built on a solid roster and chemistry that all 29 NBA teams envied. While other franchises dreamed of securing just one title with their incredible teams, the Warriors won four. And the player who made it all possible was the team’s leader, Stephen Curry, as noted by the franchise’s former star.

The news came after the franchise announced that they would retire the No. 9 jersey of one of their dynasty’s key members, Andre Iguodala. The 41-year-old retired two years ago on October 20. But the ceremony will take place on February 23, following their game against the Mavericks. Why that particular day? Well, the Warriors reunion wouldn’t have been complete without the presence of Klay Thompson. It’s certainly a special moment for Iguodala, who recently sat down with The Athletic’s Anthony Slater to reflect on his journey with the Blue and Yellow and revisit the memories.

One thing that popped up in the exclusive interview was Iguodala’s emotional confession about former teammate Stephen Curry. “I think I was the first one to realize how I can extend my career playing with Steph Curry … I hate making headlines. Don’t take it out of (context),” he stated.

While he has come across many great players in the league with remarkable talent, there was only one person he chose to highlight for the Warriors’ success. “Kevin Durant is the most talented basketball player I’ve ever seen. I’m including Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan is the best, but I’m talking about talent. Nobody’s better than Kevin Durant. But without Stephen Curry, nobody’s jersey is going in the rafters.”

The former swingman’s journey with the Dubs began in 2013 and continued for the next six seasons, during which he made significant contributions to the team’s three championship titles. He then moved to Miami for a season, only to return to Golden State again. That chapter proved to be another success, as the team won another title in 2022.

And Iguodala dedicated a big slice of the celebratory pie to Curry. But the once thriving Golden State has now turned barren, as they struggle to find their rhythm, even with Curry leading the charge.

Stephen Curry’s Warriors struggle amid trade crisis

There have been many whispers coming from Golden State about their interest in LeBron James, which later shifted to Jimmy Butler. But those were just whispers. The team couldn’t pull off any blockbuster trade that could help Curry and Co. break out of their slump.

At the start of the season, the Warriors were in the top half of the Western Conference, but now they’ve slipped to the 11th spot, barely holding on with a 22-23 record. It’s consistency that they still haven’t found, even halfway through the season. Amid all this, Curry doesn’t want the team to chase immediate success at the cost of their future assets, which is why they refrained from pursuing a move to bring Jimmy Butler on board.

Curry is still giving his best, averaging 22.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, but that hasn’t been enough. The franchise is struggling to find its footing and if this continues for too long, then the 36-year-old might have to give up on his dream of securing a fifth title.