After a season-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Golden State Warriors’ bid for another NBA championship has come to a halt. Despite perceptions that the Warriors are nearing the end of an era, forward Jimmy Butler remains optimistic about the team’s future.
With the contracts of Butler, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green all set to expire in two years, following the 2026-2027 season, and head coach Steve Kerr’s contract up after next season, the Warriors face a potentially narrow window to secure another championship with their current core.
During a postseason news conference, Butler was queried about whether he views the next two years as a championship window. He concurred but suggested it could extend beyond that timeframe. “If we win some, it could be longer than that. Because I still think that we have a lot of great basketball left ahead of us,” Butler remarked.
Although Curry, Green, and Butler are on the latter stages of their careers—Curry at 37 and Green and Butler both at 35—Butler expressed confidence in their ability to maintain their performance levels. “The way that everybody’s taking care of their bodies, doing right, I think the potential is there,” he said. “This full season we’ve got coming up ahead, I think we’ll be able to find out.”
Curry echoed these sentiments during his news conference, stating he still has “a lot left in the tank.” However, he appeared more concentrated on the upcoming season rather than the team’s long-term future. “We want this ride to last as long as possible, but it’s just about, what does this team need for next year? Answering those questions over the summer, everybody preparing themselves individually … that’s all we’re really focused on right now,” Curry said.
Curry also noted that several decisions await the Warriors this offseason. The returns of bench players Gary Payton II, Jonathan Kuminga, and Kevon Looney are not guaranteed, presenting the Warriors’ front office with roster choices to consider.