Season Over for Stephen Curry? Warriors Considering Shutting Him Down

The Golden State Warriors are facing a decision that could define not only the end of this season but also the franchise’s immediate future. With Stephen Curry’s return still uncertain, the idea of shutting him down until the end of the year is no longer just a distant possibility.

The goal? Protect the four-time NBA champion and prepare him for what many inside the organization consider the final real title push of his era.

The fear of a setback

Curry has not played since January 30, when he was forced to stop because of what is known as “runner’s knee”, a condition that causes pain and swelling around the kneecap, limiting movement and increasing the risk of aggravation.

His recovery, initially expected to take less time, has been postponed multiple times because the treatment did not immediately produce the hoped-for results. That situation has pushed the Warriors to reflect more carefully about the return of their leader.

According to Anthony Slater, speaking on the The Hoop Collective podcast, caution is growing within the franchise.

Next season has become the decisive one in this final stage of Steph’s era. I don’t think the Warriors want to risk that opportunity in any way. If he returns without being fully ready, there’s a real fear of another setback

Anthony Slater

The priority is the 2026–27 season

At 37 years old, time is not infinite even for one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. For that reason, Golden State is reportedly seriously considering sacrificing the end of this season to preserve Curry for next year.

With the team currently ninth in the Western Conference, the race toward the top looks complicated, especially given the performances of teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, which have raised the level of competition.

In this context, giving Curry the final 17 games off could become a logical decision in order to enter the 2026-27 season with the team’s leader fully recovered.

Possible moves on the market

Alongside the management of the injury, the front office is already thinking about how to strengthen the roster for next year.

Among the most concrete possibilities is keeping Kristaps Porzingis, who would provide spacing and defensive presence in the frontcourt. Another option involves a potential trade for Michael Porter Jr., a profile capable of adding scoring and offensive threat.

On the speculative side, there are still blockbuster names such as LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo, ambitious scenarios that show how much the franchise wants to remain competitive.

One last run at the NBA title

Steve Kerr has spoken openly in recent months about the transitional phase the Warriors are experiencing. Despite that, within the organization there is still the belief that another title run is possible.

For that to happen, however, one condition is essential: Stephen Curry must be at his best.

That is why, even if it means sacrificing a few wins in the short term, Golden State seems ready to make the most cautious decision. Preserving its leader today could be the only way to truly chase one last championship ring in 2027.