Overview

• ESPN placed Stephen Curry seventh entering 2025-26, noting Golden State’s fortunes still hinge on the 17-year veteran.
• Curry is coming off a playoff hamstring injury, and team observers expect his minutes to be managed to preserve health in a crowded Western Conference.
• After Butler’s midseason arrival, Golden State went 28-11 and posted the NBA’s best defensive rating over its final 39 games, fueling hopes that a full season elevates the ceiling.
• Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga remains unsigned, with The Athletic reporting renewed sign-and-trade talks with the Kings and the possibility he takes the $8 million qualifying offer, leaving the roster at nine players.
• Forecasts diverge, with The Athletic’s John Hollinger projecting 45.5 wins while others see a path near 50 if Butler stays healthy and reported veteran targets such as Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II are added, though those moves are not official.