NBA Notes: Warriors, Steph Curry, Steve Kerr, Bucks, Hornets

Warriors

Stephen Curry expects to be ready to roll for the Warriors this season, though there apparently remains at least some concern about his right knee.

Curry missed extended time last season with patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as runner’s knee. Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area said on the Dubs Talk podcast that the issue hasn’t completely disappeared.

“There’s at least some lingering concern about the knee,” Poole said, via Hoops Rumors. “From what I’ve been told, it can be managed, but it has to be managed and that’s a new thing for Steph.”

Poole added that Curry and his trainers have developed ways to work around the issue and that Curry seems confident he can play more than 70 games.

That’s obviously encouraging. Still, Curry is 38 now, and managing a knee condition is a new variable for a player who has long been renowned for his conditioning.

Curry recently became eligible for another contract extension but indicated there’s no particular urgency there, saying he and the Warriors will “figure that out at the right time.”

Meanwhile, coach Steve Kerr isn’t putting any specific expectations on the season.

“If we can really lock in on a great process, which I’m very confident we will, we can get off to a good start and build some momentum,” Kerr told NBC Sports Bay Area. “That’s my main goal.”

Bucks

The Bucks officially signed 7-foot center John Butler to a non-guaranteed training camp contract.

Butler, who appeared in 19 games with the Trail Blazers in 2022-23, spent last season with Milwaukee’s G League affiliate in Wisconsin, averaging 9.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.

He also signed with Milwaukee last preseason before being waived and joining the Herd, and there’s a good chance we’re headed toward the same outcome again.

The Bucks now have 20 players under contract.

Hornets

The Hornets’ daily sign-and-waive carousel continues.

Charlotte signed 6-foot-6 swingman Kobe Stewart to an Exhibit 10 contract and waived Jarkel Joiner, marking the fifth consecutive day the team has added a player on an Exhibit 10 deal.

Stewart went undrafted out of Presbyterian in 2025 and spent last season in the G League, averaging 7.7 points in 46 appearances.

The ultimate goal is expected to be getting Stewart to the Greensboro Swarm, Charlotte’s G League affiliate.

So, yes, the Hornets changed the bottom of their offseason roster again. At this point, check back tomorrow.