Tuesday night, April 16, may have been the end of an era for a one-time NBA powerhouse. The Golden State Warriors suffered a 24-point loss to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament, eliminating them from any postseason contention and potentially holding a darker omen for the franchise after a more than difficult two years.
After making the NBA Finals every year from 2015-19, winning three times, and winning again in 2022, the Warriors are fielding an aging roster that might be looking to offload some talent, even if that talent is a former NBA MVP. Only one day removed from the loss and rumors about the team’s future started to percolate. One such being that if Stephen Curry — four-time champ and two-time MVP — were to be traded, the San Antonio Spurs hold the best odds (+200) to acquire him, per BetOnline sportsbook.
The report sent minor shockwaves through the internet as fans reacted. A photoshopped image of Curry alongside Victor Wembanyama in Spurs gear garnered a number of responses. Some were cautiously optimistic, while others held more trepidation.
“I could see this working,” said Tone Tentoes. While MAron M Otnirebal said “Hopefully! It will be unstoppable!” While Agvaan Namjil responded with the simple “Why not.”
A trade seems unlikely given Curry’s legendary status in the San Francisco Bay area. He was drafted by Golden State in 2009 and has played there his whole career, earning 10 All-Star selections and nine All-NBA honors. Most reactions held similar sentiments, while others were more hopeful the Spurs continue to focus on youth and development.
“Yall tweaking Curry never leaving the Warriors,” said Sean Dooley.
“I literally dreamt about this last night,” Angelo Bautista said.
Despite Curry’s years of success, many Spurs fans pointed to the need to stay younger and develop the team’s current core players.
“Nahh…More development on TreJones33. #GoSpursGo” said Bangkaw Alob.
“Nope…we don’t want Old Man Peach Fuzz. We need a younger PG. Go San Antonio Spurs Go!” said Mando Tenorio Jr.
The Spurs and Warriors have a history going back decades. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr won two championships as a player in San Antonio (1999, 2003). Another lesser-known connection is that Gregg Popovich served as an assistant coach with Golden State from 1992 to 1994 before taking over in San Antonio in 1996.
In the middle 2010’s the two teams developed a playoff rivalry. The Spurs defeated the Warriors in the 2013 Western Conference Seminfinals, one year before their last championship in 2014. Then the Warriors downed the Spurs in the 2017 Western Conference Finals on their way to a second championship at the time.
The point is, Kerr and Popovich have reportedly kept a close connection, so the Silver & Black might have an in to any potential Golden State trades. Still, the price might be too big, and Curry might not even want to leave.
“Too good to be true and you all forget about it. There’s no trade demand from Curry and before San Antonio, there are too many teams to pass that kind of opportunity. San Antonio can only offer Wemby as a convincing player to make Curry make the move. Forget it, it’s impossible,” said Ernan Satsatin Soda Popinski.
“Even if Curry average 1 point per game, they ain’t trading or letting go of him, unless he demands it,” said Boc Bayona.
“They’re not trading SC, Draymond and Klay is an option,” said Dan Warren
Adding an all-time great such as Curry around Wembanyama is tantalizing, but as some fans noted Golden State would probably only trade Curry if he demanded it.
Regardless, it’s a good prop bet to keep an eye on. If anything it’s telling just how much gravity Wembanyama has and will continue to have when it comes to star players. He’s going to attract talent and oddsmakers are reflecting that.
