"Golden State Warriors: The End Is Near"

As the scoreboard ran down to all zeros Friday night in Phoenix, it felt
like a final curtain call. Golden State fought their way to a play-in game
hoping to secure the eighth seed. But... there was no more fight left to
overcome. A team whose dynasty became a juggernaut, those days are
completed. Age, attrition, injuries, poor roster construction and holding
on to what's left of aging superstar Stephen Curry; hoping to make one
last push in a deep western conference playoff field.

Golden State's terror reigned middle part of the 2010s; drafting and
developing core players. Built around Curry, it became must see
television. To say the Warriors hit their peak and should've kept going, it
was possible. A team who everyone carbon copied, time eventually
caught up. 2022 squad was the last dance far as competing for
championships. The end was near beforehand, everyone wanted to stay
in tact. Keep it going until the wheels fell off... That was quite obvious in
2023 to the current moment.

A core of Curry, Green, Thompson worked effortlessly; winning four
championships. Adding Kevin Durant was like the Power Rangers
welcoming Tommy Oliver as the White Ranger during season two. An
unstoppable force and continue dominating the league. Durant's exit in
2020; with two major injuries to Thompson. Curry was dealt his blow of
injuries as well but Dub Nation kept faith. What used to be "Strength In
Numbers" became a weak link with new players via draft or free agency.
Capturing a title in 2022, it was short-lived, but a moment in time for
basketball fans to truly appreciate Curry's greatness and win post
Durant. The window was still open to start another dynasty, but internal
conflicts with Thompson forced a mini breakup.

Signing aging players to fill roles didn't work as it once did back in the
2010s. Rifts with young players reared its ugly head as veterans weren't
vibing together. Curry was still great, but his team was just there for a
joyride. Head coach Steve Kerr tried to do more than usual, only to
inflict harm on his superstar player. Draymond Green was still a solid
defender but even he started showing signs of slowing down.

Golden State has entered unfamiliar territory and what happens from
here will be determined by July. Jimmy Butler is the make and break if
he can play in 2027 or be trade bait. Green has one year left on his
current contract and Curry appears to watch what the front office does
in free agency. With this being the summer of Giannis, Kawhi Leonard,
Joel Embiid and whoever else may be traded... Let's not forget the
ageless LeBron James will be in the mix as well.

What Golden State has planned, they must be aggressive. Do whatever
it takes to make one more title run before Curry's knees fail him. This
free agency is as crucial in recent Warriors offseason moves since
2016-17. There's some guys who can be packaged, and will be floated
around. Another aspect of this: head coach Steve Kerr and if he returns
for 2027. A lot has to go right in order for Curry signing off retaining Kerr.
He'll be entering his thirteenth season as head coach and will be under
a microscope.

With teams hiring younger innovated coaches, could the front office test
the field and see what happens? Hiring a re-treaded head coach brings
stability to a locker room but will he have championship aspirations?
Kerr has been the only voice this teams knows and respects, but a new
voice can challenge them to new horizons. Deep as the western
conference is and young players scratching the surfaces, there's no
time to waste.

June and July aren't that far off and Warriors fans won't be patient by
any means. If winning another championship is the ultimate goal, it
starts with figuring out this roster and Kerr's next move as head coach.
Stranger things have occurred, and one thing I know is don't rule
anything out by any means. Golden State has withstood many highs
and lows; but none more important than 2027.