Stephen Curry, the legendary Golden State Warriors guard, recently offered high praise for Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg. His comments came after a Christmas Day showdown where the Warriors beat Dallas 126-116. Curry’s words echoed what many Mavericks fans already believe about their young star. This insight into Flagg’s potential arrives as the Warriors look to retool their roster for the upcoming season. They’re eyeing big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Derrick White.
Curry’s Take on Cooper Flagg
After the Warriors’ victory on Christmas Day, Stephen Curry had some warm words for Cooper Flagg. He called Flagg “Just a true hooper.” Curry added, “Competitor. We forget how young he is. The future is bright.” He also said, “I’m glad he got this experience. I understand what the bright lights feel like, and the league is in good hands.” This quote, reported by The Smoking Cuban, highlighted Flagg’s instant stardom.
It’s pretty interesting, actually. While some major sports outlets, like ESPN podcasts and Warriors.com, didn’t have these specific comments from Curry about Flagg right after the game, this report gives us the direct quote. It seems like the narrative of Curry confirming Flagg’s potential still got out there. It makes sense, too. Curry and Flagg have a bit of a history. Flagg attended Curry’s camp for elite high school players back in 2023. He was just 16 then, and he apparently really impressed Curry.
Mavs fans, they picture Flagg as maybe the next LeBron James. Or even Michael Jordan. That’s a huge claim, of course. But Flagg’s basketball IQ is high. His defensive athleticism is there. He can shoot, too, though that’s something he needs to work on. Right after Christmas, his three-point shooting was at 27 percent. That’s not great. But he’s only 19. He’s got plenty of time to get better. And he’s already been mentored by Curry, the best shooter ever.
Charles Barkley even said the Mavericks should blow up their team. He thinks they should build around Flagg. He wants them to end the Anthony Davis experiment. That’s a pretty bold statement from Barkley. Flagg is already seen as someone who can change a franchise. Like Victor Wembanyama did for the Spurs. Wembanyama turned San Antonio into a juggernaut. They’re now kryptonite for the Oklahoma City Thunder, the defending champs. Flagg could do the same for Dallas. It’s pretty clear people like Curry see this potential.
Warriors Eye Offseason Moves After Playoff Exit
The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, are focused on their own future. They had a tough end to their 2025 season. A second-round exit from the NBA Playoffs. Stephen Curry even had a hamstring injury. So, now it’s all about retooling the roster. They need to get back to championship contention.
The offseason is going to be busy. A lot of big names could be available. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, others too. The Warriors are definitely looking for ways to improve the team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo to Golden State Rumors Heat Up
One of the biggest stories is the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes. The Milwaukee Bucks also had an early playoff exit in 2025. Three straight first-round exits for them. Not good. So, rumors about Giannis leaving are everywhere.
The Warriors’ name keeps coming up. NBA insider Brian Windhorst talked about it. He thinks the Warriors could have a pathway to get Giannis. “Yes, there is a package that the Warriors could use,” Windhorst said. He mentioned they have future draft picks. They also have some “interesting young players.” Last year, Brandin Podziemski was off limits. Maybe not this year, though.
But the Warriors can’t just win a bidding war. Windhorst also pointed out Giannis hasn’t said he wants out. “So I do not think we should assume that,” he noted. But if Giannis were to go to Milwaukee and say, “I want to play with Steph [Curry],” then “there could be a deal worked out.” This was discussed in a Yahoo Sports article. Curry’s playing days are running short. A big trade like this would help them win now. It would also help them compete long after Curry retires.
Derrick White Emerges as Another Warriors Option
Beyond Giannis, the Warriors are looking at other options. Derrick White from the Boston Celtics is one name getting buzz. Logan Murdock of The Ringer, he expects White to be an option for the Warriors. The Celtics might face some big changes soon. They have a lot of massive contracts. Plus, there’s an ownership change happening.
So, a player like White could be available. He’s a good plug-and-play guy. He’d fit right into any roster, really. He could definitely push the Warriors closer to a championship. That’s for the 2025-26 season. A potential trade package could involve Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and Brandin Podziemski. Plus, a 2027 unprotected first-round pick from Golden State. That’s what a Yahoo Sports report suggested.
The Warriors would give up some depth. They’d give up some young talent. But they’d get a player who can help them immediately. It’s about winning now while Stephen Curry is still playing at a high level. It’ll be interesting to see what the Warriors decide to do this offseason. They need to make some moves. Everyone knows that.
Annsly Raena 
Soureesh Datta