The Golden State Warriors’ offseason plan to give Stephen Curry another shot at the championship did not go as planned. After LeBron James decided to take his talents to Philadelphia, Warriors insider Tim Kawakami reported on Saturday that team governor Joe Lacob has shifted his focus past the Curry era.
Unsurprisingly, Kawakami’s report sparked a major buzz in the NBA world.
Joe Lacob’s Reported Comments About Life After Stephen Curry Spark Major NBA Backlash
The Warriors’ offseason began with grand visions of landing James after Draymond Green declined a $27.7 million player option to create salary-cap flexibility.
The plan met a major snag as the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar reportedly wanted the Warriors to sign Washington Wizards center Anthony Davis, whom the Wizards were unwilling to trade.
Still, the allure of joining forces with Curry delayed James’ decision before the four-time MVP eventually signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
From trying to build a legendary lineup, Lacob has seemingly quit on the Warriors’ franchise icon. According to Kawakami, the billionaire will rebuild in the “post-Steph Curry era.”
The viral report drew strong reactions from the WNBA community.
“What a shame. Steph Curry is still one of the best players in the world. To not make an effort to win another title with him is truly a joke. And if you’re not gonna do that, then you have to trade him. Instead, the Warriors are just wasting Steph’s final years. So sad,” NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor tweeted.
What a shame. Steph Curry is still one of the best players in the world. To not make an effort to win another title with him is truly a joke. And if you’re not gonna do that, then you have to trade him. Instead, the Warriors are just wasting Steph’s final years. So sad. https://t.co/qx0EtHePRx
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) July 25, 2026
“Stephen Curry gets to finish his career where and when he wants. The Warriors can’t trade him unless he asks them to. But in pure basketball terms, it’s better for everyone if he asks for a trade. Golden State’s window is closed, and he’s too good for an extended retirement tour,” CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn added.
Stephen Curry gets to finish his career where and when he wants. The Warriors can’t trade him unless he asks them to.
But in pure basketball terms, it’s better for everyone if he asks for a trade. Golden State’s window is closed and he’s too good for an extended retirement tour. https://t.co/V2Z5arG7cB
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) July 25, 2026
“Bro, they doing Steph dirty like that,” an X user wrote.
bro they doing steph dirty like that
— liquidated (Dev Arc) (@liquidated0x) July 26, 2026
“They wasted the last 7 years just lucked into 1 championship, so it’s not talked about,” another X user added.
“Joe Lacob has been trying to build post Steph for 8 years now. He brought in a bunch of draft picks (that all sucked) for a post Steph era only for Steph to win the Championship despite this,” another user added.
Joe Lacob has been trying to build post Steph for 8 years now
He brought in a bunch of draft picks (that all sucked) for a post Steph era only for Steph to win the Championship despite this.
— mm-qb.com (@mmorning_qb) July 26, 2026
With James going East, the Warriors’ biggest offseason move left is likely re-signing Green.
After retaining Kristaps Porzingis and De’Anthony Melton and adding Charles Bassey, Golden State’s roster is practically set for the 2026-27 season.
RELATED: Warriors Insider Discloses Joe Lacob’s Backup Plan After Missing Out on LeBron James
So, the Warriors, which finished this past season with a 37-45 record, will start the new campaign without Butler and Moses Moody. While both rehab from injuries, the Dubs are desperately hoping the oft-injured Porzingis stays healthy, the 40-year-old Al Horford provides quality minutes, and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg contributes.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder are stronger than ever and are looking to regain their crown. The San Antonio Spurs not only gained valuable playoff experience but also retooled.
Other contenders like the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves have also made major offseason moves, making the stacked West even more competitive.
Lacob is essentially asking the 38-year-old Curry to keep a hobbled, aging roster afloat, a rinse-and-repeat situation that has often ended in disappointment for the superstar point guard and the team.
Until Curry retires or asks for a trade, this could be the familiar scenario Dubs Nation will be looking at.
