Honestly, if you’re looking for the usual "dynasty is back" narrative, you won't find it here. The Golden State Warriors are in a weird, messy, and fascinating spot right now. We are firmly in January 2026, and the vibe around Chase Center is... complicated.
They just beat the Charlotte Hornets 136-116 on Saturday night. Sounds great, right? It was. But they did it without Jimmy Butler, who was a late scratch for "personal reasons." And yet, they somehow set a new NBA record in the process. They are now the first team in the history of the league to have at least 10 different players make a three-pointer in three consecutive games.
Ten players. That’s basically the whole active roster.
This is the quintessential Golden State Warriors NBA news story: a team that is simultaneously falling apart and breaking records. They are 24-19, sitting 8th in a Western Conference that feels like a meat grinder. Steve Kerr recently admitted this isn't the 2017 squad anymore. He called them a "fading dynasty." It’s a bitter pill to swallow for Dubs fans, but it's the truth.
The Jonathan Kuminga Trade Request: The Elephant in the Room
Let’s get into the drama. On Thursday, January 15, 2026—the very first day his contract allowed for a move—Jonathan Kuminga reportedly told the front office he wants out.
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It’s loud. It’s awkward. It’s been building for months.
Kuminga has been a DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision) for 13 straight games. For a guy who was supposed to be the "bridge to the future," he’s currently a bridge to nowhere. He’s averaging 11.8 points and 6.2 rebounds in the 18 games he actually played, but the fit with Kerr’s system has never felt more fractured. The trade deadline is February 5, and the clock is ticking loudly.
Rumors are flying everywhere. Some league insiders, like Jake Fischer, are pointing toward the Chicago Bulls and scoring guard Coby White. Others are dreaming of a Trey Murphy III deal with the Pelicans.
The reality? The Warriors need help.
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They are desperate for "3&D" wing depth and a secondary scorer who doesn't disappear for three quarters. If Kuminga goes, expect Brandin Podziemski or even veteran Buddy Hield to be attached to the deal to make the math work. Hield has been struggling, shooting a career-low 32.7% from deep. In a system built on gravity and spacing, that’s a death sentence.
Steph Curry is Still Steph Curry (Mostly)
At 37 years old, Stephen Curry is still carrying a load that would break most players ten years younger. He’s averaging 28.1 points per game. That’s 10th in the NBA.
He’s still the sun that the entire Warriors galaxy orbits around.
But even the Greatest Shooter Ever has human moments. He recently dealt with a quad contusion from a New York Knicks game that had everyone in the Bay Area holding their breath. He played through it against Charlotte, but he only put up 14 points. He looked... tired.
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The Warriors are 1st in the league in three-pointers made (16 per game), but they are 21st in rebounding. They are small. They are often outmuscled. Without Steph playing at an MVP level every single night, this team is a play-in squad at best.
The Weird Stats You Need to Know
While we're talking about Golden State Warriors NBA news, we have to look at the numbers that don't make sense.
- Net Rating: Despite the .500-ish record and the locker room drama, they still rank 10th in net rating. They aren't getting blown out; they are losing close, frustrating games.
- The Bench: De’Anthony Melton has been a revelation since returning from his knee injury. He dropped 24 points in 22 minutes against Charlotte. He’s the spark plug this team desperately needs.
- The Youth: Quinten Post, the 7-foot rookie out of Boston College, is actually starting games. He’s averaging 7.9 points and 3.8 rebounds. Is he the answer at center? Probably not. But he’s a body that can shoot, which Kerr loves.
What's Next for the Dubs?
The next few weeks will define the next three years for this franchise. Mike Dunleavy Jr. is in a corner. He has to decide if he’s going to go "all-in" for one last Steph run or if he’s going to start the painful process of a soft rebuild.
Jimmy Butler’s arrival was supposed to be the masterstroke, but he’s been inconsistent, averaging 20.1 points and missing time for various reasons. The "Big Three" of Steph, Draymond, and Jimmy hasn't had the cumulative impact fans hoped for.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the February 5 Deadline: If Kuminga isn't traded by then, the locker room tension might become untenable. Keep an eye on the Pelicans and Bulls as primary trade partners.
- Monitor the Injury Report: With Seth Curry (thigh) and Gui Santos (ankle) currently out, and Jimmy Butler’s status always a bit "wait and see," the depth is being tested.
- The Rebounding Problem: Until the Warriors find a way to stop getting crushed on the glass (allowing 44.3 rebounds per game to opponents), they will continue to blow leads in the fourth quarter.
The Golden State Warriors are no longer the "light years ahead" juggernaut. They are a group of legends trying to find "beauty in the struggle," as Kerr put it. It’s messy, it’s dramatic, and honestly, it’s some of the most compelling basketball news in the league right now.
If you're following the team, don't look at the standings. Look at the trade wire. That's where the real season is happening.