Curry's "runner's knee" will keep him out for a while
As the trade window closes, Golden State no closer to roster clarity
As the Golden State Warriors limp towards Thursday’s trade deadline, it’s not becoming more clear whether or not this team will undertake a massive roster shakeup or not. The rumors are churning hot and heavy, but the only official roster news out of Golden State is that star, Stephen Curry is going to be out of action for a bit. He’s listed as out for this game, but despite the official stance of this being a “day-to-day” issue, the absence is expected to extend much longer.
What makes this different from the usual Curry absence theater is the timing. This isn’t a mid-January rest night or a vague “management” call - it’s a medical designation arriving at the precise moment the Warriors are staring down the most consequential trade deadline of this era. Injuries are part of the NBA calendar. Leverage is not.
GAME DETAILS
WHO: Golden State Warriors (27-23) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (27-21)
WHEN: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026; 7pm PST
WATCH: NBCSBA
No Jimmy Butler, no Stephen Curry, but somehow this team will forge ahead
Stephen Curry underwent an MRI - never a good indicator for overall health. The diagnosis: runner’s knee. Suitably amorphous, this is one of those injuries that lingers in such a way that maybe it’s a problem, maybe not. For now, the Warriors are calling Curry day-to-day - but he’s been ruled out for tonight on the official report. So like, not today anyways.
This could be a significant blow to any lingering chances that the Warriors may have had for staying relevant after the injury to Butler. Or a long term benefit to any potential pivot.
According to reports, the Milwaukee Bucks aren’t totally closed off to the idea of a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo1, reportedly sending counteroffers to key trade partners:
“Over the weekend, the Bucks remained engaged with teams that have interest; giving aggressive proposals. My understanding is they submitted counter offers to those aggressive proposals as well.”
Please review Eric Apricot’s trade summary opus here for a summary of all the potential scenarios.
One way or another, the Warriors are eyeballing a future that doesn’t include some of the players that are currently on the roster. This isn’t a super unusual in-season scenario for an NBA team, but now the Warriors find themselves in the unusual position of pushing all their chips in.
Historically, this dynasty has need only minor adjustments. An undersized guard that no longer fits for an injured center. Some gambles between established role players and emerging talents, but nothing on this scale. Klay Thompson walked away with little fanfare - a mutual exchange of farewells and fond memories. But now? The pretense is laid bare. The offers are full frontal, “take what you will” offers.
The story tonight is the trade deadline. Curry’s injury hangs heavy over the franchise, but all eyes are directed towards the free agent market rather than Curry’s historically fragile wheels.
There are some perverse incentives here. Assuming that no trade goes down prior to the trade deadline, any potential pick that Golden State can offer in trade is presumably vastly better if Curry is going to be out for an extended period.
Maybe this season is already cooked. Perhaps it is better to reload and come back in the off-season seeking a bigger trade. Loop in another team or two, swing for the fences. Because Curry can’t do this all by himself - and though he’s not alone, this isn’t a roster that feels especially dangerous outside of Curry.
This is going to be a lame duck game. There’s not much of a plan left after Curry and Butler are both out. This is one of those where all eyes are on what comes next.
The Giannis smoke matters less for its likelihood and more for what it signals: Golden State is no longer operating from a position of quiet confidence. This is not a front office tinkering around the margins. This is a franchise openly acknowledging that the old math no longer works - and that standing still may be the most dangerous option of all.
Prediction
Only because nothing makes sense: the Warriors win.
I am still copy and paste on this man’s name. Maybe if he lands on the Warriors…
Post-game thread up
Everyone, please give LINKS for news. So we can judge the sources properly. For instance, if it’s Reddit, they sometimes are wrong about what the original source says.