The Golden State Warriors are at a critical juncture as they cling to their championship aspirations with an aging core that includes Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins recently raised concerns about the team’s long-term strategy, suggesting that the clock is ticking on this trio of stars.
Curry, Green, and Butler are all over the age of 35, and Perkins believes their championship window may only last another two to three years. He expressed his worries about the Warriors’ management of young talent, particularly Jonathan Kuminga, who was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Kuminga recently turned down a two-year, $45 million extension offer from the Warriors, which has led to speculation about his future with the team.
Perkins stated on the “Road Trippin” podcast, “I think the Warriors are treading in dangerous waters when it comes down to this Kuminga situation.” The team’s reliance on Curry was starkly evident during the 2025 NBA Playoffs when they were swept in four games by the Minnesota Timberwolves after Curry suffered an injury. While Green and Butler have remained productive, they struggled to shoulder the load without their star point guard. Interestingly, it was Kuminga who stepped up in Curry’s absence, which may be contributing to his feelings of being undervalued by the organization.
Once viewed as a key piece of the Warriors’ future post-Curry, Kuminga now finds himself marginalized as head coach Steve Kerr has shown a preference for Brandin Podziemski, a sophomore guard who has received more consistent playing time despite Kuminga’s proven improvement year over year. Perkins voiced his frustration, stating, “Ever since you drafted him, you never had to question anything about him. We’ve never heard reports about him not working hard. He works his ass off. He’s gotten better every single season.”
The Warriors’ inability to maximize Kuminga’s value or develop him into a foundational player raises serious questions about the front office’s long-term vision. This stagnation is particularly concerning given the team’s previous pursuit of Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. Reports indicated that the Warriors had advanced trade discussions for Vucevic last season but ultimately backed off after acquiring Butler. K.C. Johnson reported that while the Bulls were actively shopping Vucevic at the February 2025 trade deadline, the Warriors’ interest has since cooled.
Vucevic, who averaged 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds while shooting over 40% from three-point range during the 2024-25 season, could have provided the Warriors with much-needed depth and experience. However, the team’s hesitation to fully commit to acquiring him reflects a larger issue: a lack of clarity in their strategy moving forward.
As the Warriors navigate these turbulent waters, the future of their franchise hangs in the balance. With aging stars and a young talent like Kuminga feeling undervalued, the team’s management must carefully consider their next steps. The clock is ticking, and the decisions made in the coming months will significantly impact the Warriors’ ability to remain competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA.
In summary, the Warriors are at a crossroads. The aging core of Curry, Green, and Butler may not have many more seasons left to compete at the highest level, and the failure to develop promising young players like Kuminga could jeopardize the team’s future. As Perkins aptly pointed out, the Warriors need to act quickly to ensure they don’t miss out on opportunities to build a sustainable contender for years to come.