The Oklahoma City Thunder’s historic season concluded with them as NBA champions, achieving a remarkable feat. They finished with the sixth-best regular-season record (68-14) and the largest cumulative point differential in NBA history. Over their 105 games, the Thunder outscored their opponents by 1,243 points, setting a record for the biggest margin by any team in the league’s past.
However, every season comes with its “what if” moments, and in the Western Conference, one of the most significant revolves around the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry’s injury during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That Game 1 was the only one the Warriors won, thanks to Curry, who, despite playing just 12 minutes in the first quarter, scored 13 points.
Warriors Trade Rumors and Team Interest
The Warriors’ elimination by the Timberwolves might not have happened if Curry had stayed healthy. Alongside Jimmy Butler, who arrived mid-season and revolutionized the team, these experienced Warriors could have put up a much stronger fight against the Thunder in the playoffs-perhaps even knocking them out.
But that’s now history. The focus shifts to the upcoming season, where the Warriors appear, on paper, as a veteran-heavy team. Trade rumors are swirling around one of their young talents, Jonathan Kuminga.
Jonathan Kuminga’s somewhat turbulent tenure with the Golden State Warriors seems to be nearing its end. The Warriors extended him a qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent, but despite his undeniable talent and raw athleticism, friction with head coach Steve Kerr-who has hesitated to trust him as a starter-has reportedly strained their relationship.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Kuminga has drawn interest from at least six teams willing to take him on: the Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat. So far, only the Kings have made an offer-Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and two second-round picks-which the Warriors rejected, holding out for a promising young player and a first-round pick instead.
It’s unlikely Kuminga will return to the Warriors next season. While he had standout moments, like winning a championship as a rookie, expectations for him were higher. Limited minutes under Kerr and recent injuries suggest a fresh start elsewhere might be best for him to showcase his potential.
Warriors’ Roster Challenges and Championship Aspirations
If Kuminga’s departure materializes, the Warriors will aim to trade him for young players to offset the aging core of their roster, which includes Curry (37), Butler (35), and Draymond Green (35). They’ll need youthful energy to compete in a Western Conference brimming with emerging stars.
The mid-season addition of Butler from Miami made an instant impact. The Warriors were 25-26 when he debuted in February, but with both Butler and Curry in the lineup, they posted an impressive 27-8 record across the regular season, play-in tournament, and playoffs. This success fuels hope for a strong next season-if they can stay healthy.
Curry is chasing his fifth championship ring to match legends like Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Magic Johnson, all of whom won five titles with the teams that drafted them. Meanwhile, Butler is determined not to retire without a ring. Both know the upcoming season could be their best shot at glory.
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