Stephen Curry is still playing at an elite level, and the Golden State Warriors have a responsibility to surround him with a championship-caliber roster.
Jaylen Brown had the potential to be that missing piece, but the Warriors ultimately chose not to pursue him, a decision that has only earned them some jabs from many.
NBA Analyst Questions Warriors’ Steph Curry Strategy After Jaylen Brown Snub
Curry’s championship window with the Warriors seems to be narrowing after a disappointing offseason in which the franchise failed to make a major move. Adding Brown could have instantly boosted their title hopes, and the Warriors reportedly had the chance to acquire him before February’s trade deadline.
ESPN’s insider Shams Charania said Golden State declined a trade package for Brown despite discussions involving multiple first-round picks, pick swaps, and second-round selections. The Ringer’s Logan Murdock reported that the Warriors ultimately passed because they were unconvinced Brown could become the face of the franchise once Curry retires.
Many already found it surprising that the Warriors didn’t see potential in Brown, who had just finished a career-best season, averaging 28.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, NBA analyst Rachel Nichols criticized the Warriors’ thinking, arguing that maximizing Curry’s remaining prime should take priority.
“Yes, because that’s so much more important than what he could do DURING THE CURRY ERA. It’s maddening that the Warriors seem to value the end of Steph’s career so much less than any of the rest of us,” Nichols tweeted.
yes, because that’s so much more important than what he could do DURING THE CURRY ERA. It’s maddening that the Warriors seem to value the end of Steph’s career so much less than any of the rest of us. https://t.co/H5FDivgMmw
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) July 29, 2026
Brown finished sixth in last season’s MVP voting and proved his leadership by carrying Boston for much of the regular season while Jayson Tatum recovered from an Achilles injury. He also could have provided a long-term answer if Jimmy Butler’s future remained uncertain following his ACL injury, but the Warriors seemed unconvinced.
The Warriors could also pair Curry with LeBron James if they acquired Brown, as Brown is a major reason the former Los Angeles Lakers star chose the Philadelphia 76ers. So, the 76ers gave Joel Embiid co-stars like Brown and James, both of whom immediately made the team championship-caliber.
Meanwhile, the Warriors were left empty-handed and failed to give Curry a blockbuster supporting cast this offseason.
The Warriors are now expected to bring back most of last season’s roster after re-signing Draymond Green. However, relying on an aging, injury-prone core may not be enough to contend for a title or to convince Curry that the franchise remains fully committed to maximizing his final championship opportunities.
The Warriors indeed seem to be placing greater focus on preparing for the future rather than going all-in during the closing years of Curry’s legendary career, at least their latest moves suggest.
