In a stunning turn of events, Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob is reportedly set to waive up to five players after the team’s crushing 111-96 play-in loss to the Phoenix Suns, signaling a potential end to the dynasty. With stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green facing uncertain futures, insiders suggest a full roster reset looms, leaving fans reeling from the franchise’s rapid downfall. This seismic shift could reshape the NBA landscape as early as this offseason.
The Warriors’ season ended in humiliation on April 17, 2026, at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Once a dominant force with four championships, they faltered badly in the play-in tournament, a bracket for teams that barely scraped into contention. Phoenix surged ahead with a 13-0 run, overwhelming Golden State’s defense from the start. Jaylen Green led the onslaught with 36 points, dismantling the Warriors’ efforts to rally.
Curry, the team’s iconic leader, struggled mightily, scoring just 17 points on inefficient shooting. His three-pointers in the fourth quarter came too late to change the outcome, highlighting the toll of injuries and fatigue. The loss followed a grueling win over the Clippers just days earlier, where Curry had shone with 35 points. Now, whispers of his exit grow louder amid the chaos.
Draymond Green’s night was equally tumultuous. The fiery veteran fouled out late, sparking a heated exchange with Suns star Devin Booker that led to both players’ ejection. Green’s post-game comments hinted at doubt about his Warriors tenure, saying he hoped he’d “done enough“ to stay. At 36, his $27.7 million player option complicates matters, with trade rumors swirling.
Injuries ravaged the Warriors all season, derailing their championship aspirations. Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January, sidelining him for the rest of the year after seamlessly fitting into the lineup. Stephen Curry missed 27 games due to a knee issue, while Moses Moody suffered a torn patellar tendon in March. These setbacks turned a promising 24-19 record into a dismal 37-45 finish.
The financial picture adds urgency to the crisis. Curry, Butler, and Green account for 79% of the payroll next season, a burden that could force drastic cuts. With the team projected under the luxury tax for the first time in years, owner Joe Lacob faces tough choices. Up to five players, including potential free agents like Kristaps Porzingis, might be shown the door to free up cap space.
Porzingis, acquired mid-season, averaged 16.1 points in limited action but now eyes unrestricted free agency. Gary Payton II, a defensive stalwart, underperformed and could be released. Al Horford, at 40, holds a player option but may not fit the rebuild. De’Anthony Melton’s injury history adds to the uncertainty, as the Warriors eye a youth infusion around Curry.
Head coach Steve Kerr’s future hangs in the balance, with his contract expired. After 12 seasons of glory, including four titles, Kerr admitted these jobs have an “expiration date.“ His candid remarks post-game suggest he might step away, leaving the franchise in limbo. Players like Green publicly pleaded for his return, underscoring the emotional stakes.
Rumors of blockbuster trades intensify the 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶. ESPN reports the Warriors as suitors for superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, potentially using Green’s salary as trade bait. With draft picks through 2032 at their disposal, Golden State could pivot aggressively. Yet, such moves risk alienating the core that built the empire.
Curry, at 38, remains defiant, contracted for $62.6 million next season and open to a reduced role. His loyalty contrasts with the franchise’s shifting priorities, as owner Lacob weighs legacy against ambition. The Warriors’ slide from 73-win dominance to play-in fodder has fans bracing for change.
This isn’t just a bad season; it’s a franchise at a crossroads. After missing playoffs three of the last four years, the writing is on the wall. Lacob, who transformed the team from perennial losers to billion-dollar giants, must now decide if one last push with Curry is viable or if a full rebuild is inevitable.
The NBA world watches closely as the Warriors navigate this turmoil. Potential waivers could include underperformers like Will Richard or Gui Santos, whose contracts offer flexibility. Every decision in the coming weeks will echo through the league, testing the limits of loyalty and competition.
As the dust settles from the play-in disaster, the pressure mounts on Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy. They hold the keys to a possible final act or a painful reset. For a team that defined an era, the end feels abruptly near, with Curry and Green’s futures symbolizing the fragility of success.
Reports indicate the Warriors are already exploring options, from sign-and-trades to draft strategies. The next 90 days will be pivotal, determining if Golden State can salvage their championship window or face a long rebuild. Fans, once spoiled by victory, now confront an uncertain horizon.
In this high-stakes environment, the Warriors’ identity as innovators and winners is at risk. The play-in loss wasn’t merely a defeat; it was a catalyst for upheaval, forcing a reckoning with age, injuries, and evolving competition. The NBA’s balance of power could shift dramatically as a result.
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