As the Golden State Warriors near the end of their time with superstar Stephen Curry on the roster, with his contract expiring at the end of the 2026-27 season, it is likely that, at least for a brief time, their chances at contention will be virtually non-existent.
Therefore, as the Warriors attempt to make one last run at a title with the greatest player in franchise history, they are also symbolically passing on their mantle of domination to a conference rival and their superstar: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder, who won the championship this past season and look poised to compete for many years to come, could certainly be the next version of Golden State insofar as they could dominate the Western Conference for years on end.