If you walked into a time machine back in 2022 and told a Warriors fan that Jimmy Butler and Al Horford would be starting alongside Steph Curry in 2026, they'd probably ask what you were smoking. It sounds like a fever dream or a desperate "win-now" trade in NBA 2K.
Yet, here we are.
The Golden State Warriors updated roster for the 2025-26 season is a weird, fascinating, and surprisingly effective blend of "Last Dance" energy and fresh legs. It’s not the dynasty you remember, but it’s definitely not a rebuilding project either. Mike Dunleavy Jr. basically doubled down on the idea that as long as Stephen Curry is breathing, the window is open.
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Honestly, the chemistry is better than it has any right to be.
The Big Three (Version 2.0)
Forget the "Splash Brothers" era for a second. That ended when Klay Thompson headed to Dallas. Now, the identity is grittier.
The current core revolves around the trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the massive mid-season acquisition from last February, Jimmy Butler. It’s an expensive group. Curry is pulling in roughly $59.6 million this year, while Butler’s cap hit sits at a cool $54.1 million. That’s a lot of eggs in two very veteran baskets.
But look at the results.
Curry is 37 and still casually dropping 28.1 points per game. He just survived a quad contusion scare against the Knicks a few days ago and suited up against Charlotte anyway. The man is made of different stuff. Then you have Butler. Bringing him in changed the defensive geometry of this team. He takes the tough wing assignments that used to go to Andre Iguodala or prime Klay, allowing Steph to save his legs for those fourth-quarter flurries.
Draymond is still Draymond. He's 35, he’s still the emotional heartbeat, and he’s still the guy making the "hockey assist" that nobody sees on the box score but every coach loves.
The Starting Five as of January 2026
- PG: Stephen Curry – The undisputed engine.
- SG: Moses Moody – He finally cracked the starting rotation permanently. It took years of "is he in or is he out?" but Kerr is finally letting him cook.
- SF: Jimmy Butler – The secondary creator and defensive stopper.
- PF: Draymond Green – The defensive captain and primary playmaker.
- C: Quinten Post – This is the surprise. The 7-footer out of Boston College has leapfrogged into the starting spot, providing the floor spacing they desperately needed.
Why Al Horford and the Bench Matter
The Warriors' bench used to be "Strength in Numbers." Now, it’s more like "Strength in Wisdom."
Signing Al Horford to a two-year deal using the taxpayer mid-level exception was a stroke of genius. He’s 39. He’s one of the oldest players in the league. But in 15-20 minutes a night, he gives them elite rim protection and high-IQ passing. He’s basically the "Draymond of the second unit."
Then there’s the youth.
Jonathan Kuminga re-signed on a two-year, $46.8 million deal. There was some drama there—rumors of trade requests and tension with Steve Kerr—but he’s settled into a high-impact sixth-man role. He’s averaging nearly 16 points off the bench, providing the vertical spacing and athleticism that the older starters lack.
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Brandin Podziemski is the other key piece. The Warriors exercised his team option, and he’s essentially the heir apparent to the backcourt. He’s efficient, he rebounds like a center, and he’s the primary backup for Steph.
The Full Active Roster
- Buddy Hield: The designated flamethrower. When the offense stalls, they bring him in to hunt threes.
- Trayce Jackson-Davis: Still the best value contract on the team. He’s a walking double-double threat in limited minutes.
- De'Anthony Melton: Finally healthy after that nasty ACL tear in late 2024. He’s a "connector" who fits perfectly next to any guard.
- Gary Payton II: The Young Glove is back on a minimum deal. You know the drill—steals, dunks, and chaotic energy.
- Seth Curry: Yes, both Curry brothers are on the same team. Seth has been out with sciatic nerve issues lately, but when he’s healthy, the floor spacing is borderline unfair.
- Will Richard: The rookie out of Florida who they snagged in a draft-day trade with Memphis. He’s already shown he can hit the open corner three.
- Gui Santos: Currently nursing an ankle sprain, but he’s a solid depth wing.
- Pat Spencer, LJ Cryer, and Malevy Leons: The two-way guys and end-of-bench depth.
The Quinten Post Factor
Most people expected Trayce Jackson-Davis or a small-ball Draymond lineup to be the primary look at center. But Quinten Post has changed that.
He’s seven feet tall. He shoots the three.
In a preseason game against Portland, he dropped 20 points and looked like a natural fit in the motion offense. By starting Post, Kerr can keep Draymond at power forward, which preserves Draymond’s body over the long 82-game grind. It’s a subtle shift, but it’s why the Warriors are sitting at 23-19 and fighting for a top-six seed in a brutal Western Conference.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
The biggest misconception is that this team is "too old."
Critics point to the ages of Curry (37), Butler (36), Green (35), and Horford (39) and assume they’ll crumble by April. But the Golden State Warriors updated roster is actually built to manage those miles.
Look at the minutes distribution. Nobody is playing 38 minutes a night. Kerr is leaning on a 10 or 11-man rotation. He’s using De'Anthony Melton and Moses Moody to soak up the regular-season intensity so the "Old Guard" can save their legs for the playoffs.
Also, don't sleep on the "Curry Connection." Having Seth and Steph on the floor together—even if it's just for a four-minute stretch—creates a gravity that defenders literally cannot handle. It's basketball's version of a cheat code.
The Salary Cap Reality
Let’s be real: this roster is a financial nightmare.
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The Warriors are deep into the luxury tax. They’re flirting with the second apron, which limits their ability to make mid-season trades or sign buyout players. This is basically the "Final Form" of this specific group. If it doesn't work, there aren't many levers left to pull.
That’s why the Kuminga extension was so pivotal. By keeping him, they kept their most tradable "big" asset. If things go south by the trade deadline, Kuminga is the piece that could bring back another veteran or a high-end draft pick. But for now, the front office seems content to ride with this weird, veteran-heavy, high-IQ squad.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following this team through the second half of the 2026 season, keep an eye on these specific trends:
- Monitor the Injury Report: With a roster this old, back-to-backs are the enemy. Expect "Injury Management" to be a frequent phrase for Horford and Butler.
- Watch the 4th Quarter Lineup: Kerr has been experimenting with a "Death Lineup 3.0" featuring Curry, Podziemski, Moody, Butler, and Green. It’s arguably the best defensive closing unit in the league.
- The Quinten Post Development: If Post can maintain a 37% or higher clip from three, it opens up the lane for Butler and Kuminga to slash. This is the "X-factor" for the entire offense.
- Seth Curry's Health: His return from the sciatic issue is slated for late January. Once he’s back, the Warriors’ second-unit scoring should stabilize.
The 2026 Warriors aren't the dynasty team that won 73 games. They aren't the KD-era juggernaut. They are a grizzled, smart, and incredibly tough group of veterans trying to squeeze one last trophy out of the Greatest Shooter of All Time.
It might be messy. It might involve a lot of ice packs. But honestly? It's the most interesting the Warriors have been in years.