Steph Curry is evolving with the times as the Golden State Warriors star undergoes a physical evolution in his quest for another championship, which could be boost by the presence of Jimmy Butler to create new offensive opportunities.
Widely recognized for his exceptional off-ball movement and scoring efficiency, the guard may be preparing to expand his game in a novel way ahead of the 2025/26 NBA campaign.
Curry‘s career has been defined by his agility, speed, and unmatched ability to move without the ball, with his peers stressing how hard he is to mark in a man-to-man coverage.
While this observation came from Curry‘s younger years, when he was leaner and more spry, he has since added muscle and strength, giving him the capacity to sustain peak performance even at age 37.
So now Brandon Payne has suggested that Curry’s physical development, combined with Jimmy Butler’s versatility, opens the door for him to assume new responsibilities on offense.
“Steph will start to recognize where the opportunities are,” Payne said. “To play off of Jimmy and play in that mid-range area with his back to the basket a little bit.
“I think that is certainly something that can continue to get better.”
This approach is unconventional for Curry, whose post touches were recorded at 0.0 throughout the 2024/25 season according to NBA advanced stats as he aims to introduce a new side to his game.
Payne clarified, however, that he is referring to the mid-range area, essentially the 10-16 foot range, where Curry could post up briefly before distributing the ball to cutters like Butler, who joined from the Miami Heat in 2025.
Butler’s skill at navigating baseline cuts complements this strategy, potentially creating open scoring opportunities and maximizing the Warriors’ offensive spacing. The concept is reminiscent of how the Warriors historically ran plays from the post with Baron Davis.
By positioning Curry in a similar role, Golden State could exploit his passing, court vision, and decision-making in a context that is atypical for his career.
With Butler’s cutting ability and finishing skills, Curry’s mid-range post opportunities could enhance both his impact and the team’s overall offensive efficiency.
Insider spills beans on Kings-Warriors trade rumors
Beyond on-court developments, trade rumors continue to swirl between the Warriors and Sacramento Kings regarding Jonathan Kuminga.
The Warriors have reportedly demanded an unprotected first-round pick to complete a sign-and-trade, while the Kings have proposed Malik Monk and a protected first-round selection.
According to Dalton Johnson at NBC Sports Bay Area, “Any chances of a sign-and-trade are virtually over. ‘That’s done with,’ is all I’ve heard.”
Reactions to a potential Kuminga trade have been mixed. Some Warriors supporters view Monk as a solid addition and a better fit for Golden State’s roster, while others see Kuminga as worth the player option he reportedly seeks.
Monk’s value has been underappreciated, despite Sacramento achieving a 36-29 record in the 65 games he played last season, compared to a 4-13 mark without him.
Kuminga’s skill set, particularly his need to handle the ball to be effective, presents challenges for the Kings, especially while managing salary commitments and pending re-signings for players like Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray.
In a future roster without veterans such as Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan, Kuminga’s athleticism and cutting ability could complement Domantas Sabonis, improving defensive efficiency.
However, the timing of the trade introduces significant risk by sacrificing future assets and limiting flexibility.
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