The Golden State Warriors didn’t push any win-now chips in at the trade deadline, content to play out the remainder of 2023-24 with a team that’s finally found the “best version” of itself. Just because the Dubs failed to make major moves before noon pacific on Thursday hardly means the locker room won’t be affected by the one trade Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the front office did make, though.

After his team’s impressive blowout win over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night, Stephen Curry was asked for his thoughts on Golden State’s approach at the trade deadline. Unprompted, the four-time champion brought up Cory Joseph, lamenting the absence of a veteran “connector” who he and his teammates will sorely miss going forward.

“Sucks losing Cory. If anybody knows Cory Joseph and his personality, his presence…He’s the ultimate professional,” Curry said. “He brings just a great spirit about it in the locker room helping the young guys. He’s been around, knows how to play. That type of guy is a connector and we’re gonna miss him for sure. That was obviously a tough one. I understand the business of the game and the money and all that, but we’re gonna miss him for sure.”

Steph will miss what Cory Joseph brought to the Warriors 🤝 pic.twitter.com/VjO9PYIhlm

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 9, 2024