Even after consecutive wins -- including an impressive takedown of the Orlando Magic -- the Golden State Warriors are stuck in Western Conference no man's land.
At 15-15, the Warriors sit eighth in the standings, and 3.5 games back of the sixth-place Houston Rockets.
Golden State has one of the oldest rosters in the NBA, and championship-winning head coach Steve Kerr has been embroiled in controversy over his management of the franchise's young players like Jonathan Kuminga. Some observers believe the Warriors need a drastic shake-up.
MORE: Warriors linked to stunning Draymond Green trade with division rival
The Ringer's Bill Simmons has proposed a radical solution: the Warriors should deal franchise legend Steph Curry to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for LaMelo Ball and a package of draft picks.
"(Curry) grew up there, his dad (Dell Curry) is there, he's always joked about ending his career there," Simmons said on his eponymous podcast. "I don't think this Warriors team has any chance. We just saw Draymond (Green) blow up last night. Can we just do LaMelo and a bunch of picks, send Curry back to Charlotte, and let's just go?"
🎙️ @BillSimmons: "Are we at the point where Curry to Charlotte, we should just do it?"
— r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) December 24, 2025
"I don't think this Warriors team has any chance. We just saw Draymond blow up last night. Can we just do LaMelo and a bunch of picks, send Curry back to Charlotte, and let's just go?" 🙃 pic.twitter.com/sNb0r8ky6O
Simmons and ESPN's Tim Legler made clear that this was a proposal made in jest. But it does add something to the swirling debate over Golden State's long-term outlook.
Curry, 37, is under contract through next year and is slated to make $62 million in 2026-27. The Warriors' championship window appears closed, with West powers Oklahoma City and San Antonio set up well for the future.
The Hornets have not made the playoffs in nine years, and a backcourt of Curry and Kon Knueppel would shoot the lights out. Ball's own long-term outlook in Charlotte is murky, and his reputation around the NBA is not exactly stellar.
It's a trade that has little chance of happening -- but for former Davidson College hero Curry, it would be a really cool homecoming.
More NBA news:
New Stephen Curry video has Warriors fans convinced he has the worst whistle in the NBA
Mavs' Cooper Flagg reveals his Christmas list after epic night in win over Nuggets
Wembanyama's historic streak ends in blowout win over Thunder