Teammates become family when you chase the same dream — that shining Larry O’Brien. But when one leaves, a void follows, waiting for the next star to step in. On Feb. 5, inside the quiet halls of the Delta Center, Stephen Curry pulled Andrew Wiggins into a hug after Wiggins learned he was traded to the Miami Heat in a stunning five-team deal. Moments later, Steve Kerr closed the locker room doors to break the heavy news. Farewells are always fast and filled with raw emotion.
Still, the night had to go on. The short-handed Warriors, hearts aching, fell 131-128 to a struggling Jazz team. Curry poured in 32 points but needed 31 shots to do it. When he returned to the locker room, it felt different — emptier. Four teammates gone. Yet, even through the heartbreak, a glimmer of hope flickered: superstar reinforcements were already on their way— Jimmy Butler.
However, sitting in an empty locker room, Stephen Curry looked at Draymond Green, his trusted co-pilot through countless battles. Tears welled in Curry’s eyes, slipping down as the weight of change crashed over him. In the same building where Michael Jordan sealed the Bulls’ dynasty, Curry wasn’t chasing glory — he was facing goodbye. “This is it,” Curry told Green. “It’s our last ride.”
Feb 22, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) talks with forward Draymond Green (23) after a timeout against the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Without knowing it, he might have already titled the final chapter of the Warriors’ golden era. And this time, the quiet ache of what once was replaced the chance for a last shot. “How many more chances will we actually realistically have at chasing a championship?” the Baby-Faced Assassin shared with ESPN in Houston, just before Golden State stunned the Rockets with a 95-85 Game 1 victory. “Not saying this is the last year, this run that we’re going to have. Just focusing on what we can get out of it.”
Steph further added, “Me and him [Green] have been through every battle for the last 13 years. Obviously, we are trying to recreate that magic.” These thirteen years that the duo have spent uplifting the Golden State Warriors have not gone to waste. Thirteen years and four championships; thirteen years and a dynasty that the basketball world will remember till the end of time. Meanwhile, Draymond Green told ESPN his message to an emotional Curry, “Let’s f—ing go then! Let’s do it!”
Magic— that’s everything that the Dubs need this season. But then the front office had already created the ‘magic.’ A perfect blend, although ‘polar opposites’ on the team, Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler have joined forces. Draymond sees it, Steve Kerr sees it, and the NBA world sees it, too. There’s new energy, and there’s fire that only Jimmy could’ve brought to any team. And now that he’s here, the Warriors are willing to dream big.
Jimmy Butler is fuelling Stephen Curry & Draymond Green’s 5th ring dreams
Steve Kerr has already crafted a new symphony, mixing Steph Curry’s free-flowing magic with Jimmy Butler’s cold precision. But chasing a fifth title, ten years after the first banner rose, will take something deeper. Now, it is about belief. It is about two masters of different worlds learning to move as one. If Curry and Butler can blend their fire and ice, they might just keep the Warriors’ dream alive a little longer, fighting not just rivals but time itself.
“The exciting thing is Jimmy gives us the opportunity to extend this thing by a couple of years,” Kerr told ESPN. “He’s that good. He’s also the kind of athlete who’s going to age well because he’s not relying on explosive leaping ability. It’s more savvy and strength, and he’s such a smart player.” The head coach further noted: “So, I think we’re going to be really good for the next few years. But Steph’s right, these next few years are the last round.” The final dance has begun, but the flickers of hope aren’t dead yet!
Apr 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) walks on the court during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Draymond Green also added to the Jimmy Butler trade. He said, “There’s an appreciation that we felt and feel. We were sitting there and coming to that realization we got an obligation to uphold. … They [traded for Butler] for us because they still believe in us.” As you see, the Green-Curry duo is finding their last title hopes in Jimmy’s presence. The superstar forward, if not anyone else, could be the key they’re looking for.
Well, the Golden State Warriors are not just chasing another title. They are chasing time, chasing legacy, chasing the echoes of what built them. With Jimmy Butler now in their corner, belief runs deeper than ever. This final ride for Draymond Green and Stephen Curry could still end in gold — if heart, not history, leads the way.
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