Steph Curry discusses knee injury, Porzingis trade, and the future of the Warriors
Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry informed ESPN that a cautious strategy is essential as he recovers from a right knee issue that has kept him out for the last two games.
“It’s moving in the right direction,” Curry stated. “It’s different from last year, but it’s something that will heal.”
It remains uncertain when he will be back in action. Earlier in the previous season, Curry experienced tendinitis in both knees, which led the Warriors to manage his playing time and rest him for a game. Currently, he is contending with what the team has identified as patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly referred to as “runner’s knee,” characterized by swelling and discomfort around the kneecap.
The issue intensified two weeks ago during a personal workout. He missed one game in Minnesota, attempted to play through it in the following two, and then left a home defeat against the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter. He hobbled to the locker room and has since been engaged in individual rehabilitation work.
The team continues to label him as day-to-day, but he does not appear to be preparing for a return for Saturday night’s ABC showcase against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“It’s about discovering what works in rehab as I go,” Curry explained. “Because it still hurts. You need to eliminate all the inflammation and pain. It’s something we need to keep monitoring and managing, but if I return too soon, it could exacerbate the issue.”
Curry shared this with ESPN in a jubilant locker room on Thursday night in Phoenix. In his absence, the undermanned Warriors executed a 25-7 run to secure a thrilling 101-97 comeback victory over the Suns, improving their record to 28-24.
“It felt like we won a championship,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr remarked regarding the celebration.
The emotional response was partly due to the team’s recent challenges, which began with Jimmy Butler’s ACL tear on January 19 that disrupted their momentum and seemed to extinguish realistic championship aspirations.
In response, the Warriors’ front office aggressively pursued Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, which became public knowledge, indicating their readiness to include franchise icon Draymond Green in trade discussions, heightening the underlying tension.
“I wasn’t on the phone with [general manager] Mike [Dunleavy] and them making calls,” Curry noted. “I was aware that an offer was made, as you would expect. Ultimately, nobody acquired him. So that’s the current situation.”
“For us, our challenge is to maintain a level that allows us to be a threat in a playoff series and finish the regular season strongly.”
Dunleavy and the Warriors’ front office shifted their focus away from the Antetokounmpo pursuit when it became evident that Milwaukee intended to retain him. They subsequently traded Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta for Kristaps Porzingis, the often-injured veteran center who has played only 17 games this season.
“I’m picking up some Latvian,” Curry said when asked about Porzingis. “I’m just hoping that he stays healthy, first and foremost, so he can perform on the court. He and Al [Horford] won a championship together. Different circumstances, but there’s a familiarity, skill set, size, and presence that we have been seeking for some time.”
Steve Kerr after exiting a loud road locker room celebration: “Felt like we won the championship.” pic.twitter.com/BOeRLiB0Qw
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 6, 2026
The Warriors possess a collection of future first-round picks that were offered for Antetokounmpo, but they were not willing to redirect that level of draft capital in trade discussions for Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) or Ivica Zubac (LA Clippers), two mid-prime centers who were traded for multiple first-round picks this week.
Curry did not express any dissatisfaction regarding the front office’s level of aggressiveness.
“The deadline is always complicated because you are trying to make the right move, and everything is obviously in the context of Jimmy’s injury and what is feasible,” Curry stated. “I’m enthusiastic about what KP can contribute. You witnessed the effort tonight. We’ll get to know each other as we progress.”
Is Curry satisfied with the current situation?
“No,” Curry replied. “I would prefer to have Jimmy Butler playing basketball. But it’s our challenge to overcome as a team. Three weeks ago, we were moving in a certain direction. The record halted, and now we are trying to figure out how to get it back on track.”
