If you haven't checked the box scores lately, the situation with basketball players Golden State is kind of a mess, but in that fascinating way only the Warriors can pull off. We're sitting here in mid-January 2026, and the vibe at Chase Center is a wild mix of "vintage dynasty" and "total roster panic." You've got Steph Curry still hitting 35-footers like it's 2016, but then you look over at the bench and see Jimmy Butler in a Warriors jersey, which still feels like a fever dream.
The team is currently hovering around a 23-19 record. That's eighth in the West. Not exactly the "world beaters" status we're used to, but they’re right in the thick of a playoff hunt.
Honestly, the biggest story right now isn't even the wins. It's the drama. Jonathan Kuminga, who was supposed to be the "future," is basically out of the rotation and has reportedly demanded a trade. It’s the kind of locker room tension that would sink most teams, yet Draymond Green is out here on his podcast praising Kuminga's professionalism. The duality is exhausting.
The Stars Holding It Together
Let’s talk about the main reason anyone still watches this team: Stephen Curry. The man is 37. Thirty-seven! Most guys are looking at coaching gigs or golf memberships at that age. Instead, Steph is averaging 28.1 points per game. He’s shooting nearly 39% from three-point range on a massive volume of shots.
He's carrying a heavy load. Maybe too heavy.
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Then there's the Jimmy Butler experiment. The Warriors are paying him $54 million this year. Think about that for a second. While he’s putting up solid numbers—roughly 20 points and 5 rebounds a game—there’s this lingering feeling that he hasn't quite found his "clutch" gear in the Bay Area yet. He’s been efficient, sure, shooting over 50% from the field, but fans are starting to get restless when he disappears in the fourth quarter.
Draymond Green remains... well, Draymond. He’s still the emotional heartbeat, for better or worse. Just a couple of weeks ago, he got ejected against the Jazz after two quick technicals. But when he’s on the floor, the defense transforms. He’s currently averaging about 8.4 points and 6.6 assists. He’s the glue, even if the glue is sometimes a bit flammable.
The Supporting Cast and New Faces
Behind the big names, the roster for basketball players Golden State has some surprising contributors that nobody really saw coming a year ago.
- Will Richard: The rookie out of Florida has been a revelation. He recently dropped 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting in a win. He’s got that "it" factor that Steve Kerr loves—high energy, great instincts, and he actually plays defense.
- Pat Spencer: If you told me a former college lacrosse star would be a legitimate rotation piece for the Warriors in 2026, I would’ve laughed. But here we are. Spencer has earned his spot, providing steady playmaking when Steph needs a breather.
- Al Horford: Yes, he’s 39. He provides that "old man strength" and veteran IQ in the paint. He’s not playing 30 minutes a night, but his presence in the locker room is massive, especially with the Kuminga situation looming.
- Trayce Jackson-Davis: He’s settled into a reliable role as a rim protector. He’s averaging about 6.6 points and 5 rebounds, but his 1.7 blocks per game are what really keep the second unit afloat.
Why the Kuminga Drama Matters
You can’t talk about basketball players Golden State right now without mentioning Jonathan Kuminga. It’s the elephant in the room. He’s 23, incredibly athletic, and clearly unhappy. After being eligible for a trade, the rumors have gone into overdrive.
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Why did it go wrong? It seems like a classic case of a young player wanting a bigger role and a veteran-heavy team needing "win-now" reliability. Kuminga’s minutes have vanished. One day he’s a starter; the next, he’s a DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision).
Draymond Green actually stepped up recently to defend him, saying Kuminga is handling the benching better than Draymond himself would have at that age. That’s high praise, but it doesn't change the fact that a trade feels inevitable before the February deadline.
The Bench Mob Evolution
The depth this year is... interesting. You’ve got Buddy Hield stretching the floor, though his shooting has been a bit streaky. Brandin Podziemski is still out there doing a bit of everything, though he hasn't quite made that "superstar leap" some expected in his third year.
And don't forget Gary Payton II. He’s still the "Young Glove," coming in for those specific defensive possessions that change the momentum of a game. It’s a very "Kerr-like" roster—lots of specialists, but sometimes it feels like they’re missing one more consistent scoring threat when Steph and Jimmy aren't clicking.
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Looking Ahead to the Trade Deadline
The Warriors are in a weird spot. They’re too good to tank but maybe not deep enough to win a title as currently constructed. There are rumors flying about potentially moving Moses Moody or Hield to get some frontcourt help.
The defense is actually ranked 8th in the league, which is vintage Warriors. But the offense? It’s sitting at 13th. For a team with Curry and Butler, that feels low. They need more spacing, or maybe just more consistency from the supporting cast.
If you're following basketball players Golden State, keep a very close eye on the next two weeks. The games against the Heat and Raptors at home will be a massive litmus test. If they slide below .500, expect Mike Dunleavy Jr. to get very aggressive on the phones.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the Kuminga minutes: If he stays on the bench, a trade is 100% happening. If Kerr starts playing him 20+ minutes again, they might be trying to showcase him for scouts or repair the relationship.
- Monitor Jimmy Butler’s fourth-quarter usage: The Warriors need him to be "Playoff Jimmy" now, not in April. If his scoring doesn't tick up in clutch moments, the $54 million price tag will start looking very heavy.
- Appreciate the Will Richard breakout: Keep an eye on his plus-minus. He’s consistently been one of the most impactful players off the bench. He might just be the "steal" of the 2025 draft.
- Check the injury report for Al Horford: At 39, his availability fluctuates. When he sits, the interior defense takes a massive hit, putting way too much pressure on Draymond and TJD.
The 2025-26 season for the Warriors is a high-wire act. They are trying to squeeze one last drop of greatness out of the Curry era while navigating a messy youth transition. It’s chaotic, it’s dramatic, and honestly, it’s exactly why we can’t stop watching.