The Golden State Warriors have long been synonymous with NBA dominance, their name etched into the annals of basketball history thanks to a remarkable run that saw them clinch four championships between 2015 and 2022. But as the calendar inches toward the end of 2025, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the realities of an aging core and the shifting sands of NBA competition. The question on everyone’s mind: Is the Warriors’ dynasty truly fading, or is there still some magic left in the tank?
Draymond Green, never one to shy away from the truth, addressed this very topic head-on during the December 29 episode of The Draymond Green Show. The outspoken forward didn’t mince words when reflecting on head coach Steve Kerr’s recent remarks about the Warriors being a “fading dynasty.” With a tone that mixed candor, humility, and a touch of defiance, Green said, “I know a lot was made this week about Steve's comment about us being a fading dynasty. And you know, there could be a lot of emotions when you read a statement like that or hear a statement like that. And for me, I try to process them. And when you get down to it, the reality of it is it's true. Dynasties don't last forever. What you do is you try to prolong them as long as you can. You try to build on them as much as you can. But it's true.”
Green’s words resonate with a fanbase that has been riding the rollercoaster of highs and lows with this team for over a decade. He added, “Now, he didn't say we're a dynasty that faded. He said we are a fading dynasty. Guess what? Steph Curry's in year 17. I'm in year 14. Klay Thompson, who's gone, would be in year 15. When you talk the dynasty, Steve Kerr is in his 12th year coaching. He didn't start with us from the beginning. Bob Myers is gone. We've been at it for a while. So, when he says we're a fading dynasty, everyone knows that he's not throwing salt. He's not putting the team down. It's true. But it's our job as the ones inside the dynasty to try to prolong it as long as we're given the opportunity. And that's where we are.”
It’s hard to argue with Green’s assessment. The Warriors’ core—once the envy of the league—has seen significant changes. Klay Thompson, a vital cog in their championship machine, has departed. In his place, the Warriors have brought in Jimmy Butler III, hoping to inject new life into the trio now anchored by Green and perennial superstar Stephen Curry. Butler’s arrival adds a fresh dynamic, but the challenges ahead are undeniable.
Golden State’s current campaign has been, to put it bluntly, a mixed bag. After a tough 141-127 loss to the Toronto Raptors on December 28, the Warriors’ record stands at 16-16. That .500 mark is a far cry from the dominance of years past, and it places them eighth in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. They’re just a game ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies, three games up on the Portland Trail Blazers, and trail the Phoenix Suns by 2.5 games and the Minnesota Timberwolves by four. The margin for error is razor-thin, and every contest feels like it could tip the balance one way or the other.
“Dynasties don’t last forever,” Green reiterated on his show. “What you do is you try to prolong them as long as you can, you try to build on them as much as you can. But it’s true. ... Guess what? Steph Curry is in year 17. I’m in year 14. Klay Thompson, who is gone, would be in year 15. Steve Kerr is in his 12th year coaching. (General manager) Bob Myers is gone.”
The Warriors’ predicament isn’t just about age or nostalgia, though. The franchise is also boxed in by financial realities. With only two NBA teams possessing less salary cap space, Golden State has limited options for significant roster upgrades. The days of splashy free-agent signings or blockbuster trades may be behind them, at least for now. For a team that once seemed to have every answer, the questions are suddenly piling up.
Yet, amid all the uncertainty, there remains a sense of resolve—if not outright optimism—within the locker room. Green’s acknowledgment of the dynasty’s twilight doesn’t mean the Warriors are ready to roll over. Far from it. “That’s the goal. That’s our mission,” he said, speaking of the challenge to extend this era as long as possible. “How long can we extend it and what more can we do?”
Stephen Curry, now in his 17th season, continues to be the heartbeat of the team. His leadership, shooting prowess, and competitive fire have not dimmed, even as the roster around him evolves. Draymond Green, in his 14th year, remains the emotional engine, the defensive anchor, and, increasingly, the team’s truth-teller. Newcomer Jimmy Butler III brings fresh legs and a hunger to prove himself on the biggest stage.
Of course, the departure of Klay Thompson and the exit of former general manager Bob Myers have left indelible marks. Thompson’s absence is felt both on and off the court—his shooting, defense, and calm under pressure were pivotal in the Warriors’ championship runs. Myers, the architect behind much of the team’s sustained success, is no longer pulling the strings in the front office. Steve Kerr, now in his 12th year at the helm, faces perhaps his toughest challenge yet: steering a veteran group through transition while nurturing the next wave of Warriors talent.
Looking ahead, the Warriors’ immediate schedule doesn’t offer much respite. After their December 29 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, they’ll hit the road to face the Charlotte Hornets on December 31. Every game carries added significance as the team looks to solidify its playoff position and, just maybe, recapture some of the old spark that made them must-watch basketball for nearly a decade.
For Warriors fans, Green’s honesty might sting, but it’s also a call to arms. The dynasty may be fading, but it’s not gone—not yet. There’s still pride, experience, and a belief that, with the right breaks, this group can make another run. The NBA is a league that rarely waits for anyone, but if there’s one thing history has shown, it’s that counting out the Warriors is a risky bet.
As the season grinds on and the Western Conference playoff picture takes shape, all eyes will be on Golden State. Can the aging stars summon one more magical run? Or will the realities of time and roster constraints finally close the book on one of basketball’s greatest dynasties? For now, the chase continues, and the Warriors’ fight to prolong their golden era is far from over.
