What do Steph Curry and the Warriors need to do in order to compete for another championship?

The question hanging over the Golden State Warriors is whether the NBA franchise can still build a contender around Steph Curry or not. That reality became even more apparent after the iconic player became eligible over the weekend for a two-year contract extension worth up to $136.7 million, a deal that could keep the future Hall of Famer under contract through the summer of 2029. Yet the 38-year-old superstar is not rushing to put pen to paper.

On the surface, that might sound like a negotiating tactic. In reality, it appears to be something far more important. Curry wants to see a path forward. After all, Golden State missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons after losing to the Phoenix Suns in the play-in tournament. The Warriors have gone from championship standard-bearers to a franchise searching for answers, and time is becoming the most valuable commodity they have.

The four-time NBA champion appeared in just 41 games last season because of injuries, a reminder that even the greatest shooters in basketball history are not immune to age. Curry remains elite when healthy, but the organization can no longer operate under the assumption that it has unlimited opportunities left to chase another title.

So what exactly do the Warriors need to do?

No, the Warriors should not trade Curry. In fact, trading him would solve almost none of the franchise's problems. Even if Golden State received a massive haul of draft picks and young players, the move would effectively signal the end of the most successful era in franchise history. Curry is not just the face of the organization; he remains its best player.

When healthy, he is still capable of carrying an offense, drawing defensive attention few players in NBA history have commanded, and changing playoff series with his shooting. More importantly, Curry has earned the right to determine how this chapter ends. Unless he specifically requests a trade, Golden State should continue building around him.

The issue isn't that Curry can no longer be the centerpiece of a contender. The issue is that the supporting cast has not been good enough. The Warriors need another star, and this is where the conversation becomes difficult.

Warriors' championship teams always had more than Curry

There was Klay Thompson in his prime. There was Draymond Green anchoring the defense. There was Kevin Durant during two title runs. There was Andrew Wiggins playing the best basketball of his career during the 2022 championship season. The current roster lacks that caliber of second star.

The Warriors have talented players, but they do not have another consistent All-NBA-level performer capable of easing the burden on Curry. That should be the front office's top priority. Whether through a trade or a major free-agent acquisition, Golden State needs another player who can create offense, score efficiently, and carry the team when Curry sits or misses games.

The problem is that such players rarely become available, and the Warriors no longer possess the treasure chest of assets they once had. Still, standing still is not an option. One of the most glaring issues for Golden State over the last few seasons has been athleticism.

The Warriors' dynasty teams were built on skill and intelligence, but they also had youth, energy, and defensive versatility. Today's roster often looks older and slower than many of the Western Conference contenders. The Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves all feature younger cores with superior athleticism.

Golden State cannot turn back the clock, but it can prioritize acquiring players who bring speed, length, and defensive flexibility. That does not necessarily mean a complete roster overhaul. It does mean that every personnel decision should be made with an eye toward becoming more dynamic on both ends of the floor.