Warriors at risk of losing 5-time All-Star, NBA champion Steph Curry running mate this summer

Warriors at risk of losing 5-time All-Star, NBA champion Steph Curry running mate this summer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Golden State Warriors have struggled to stay afloat in the midst of Stephen Curry's prolonged hiatus due to a knee injury, walking away losers in four of their last 10 outings.

However, a few key role players have stepped up their productivity in his month-long absence, namely Gui Santos, Moses Moody and 19-year veteran center Al Horford.

With a roughly $6 million player option to decide on this summer, the 39-year-old Horford raised his potential free agency stock with February averages of 11.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 blocks while connecting on 40.0% of his tries from three-point range (10 games).

This level of production is a welcome development for Curry and Golden State in the present, but FanSided's G.C. Bellchamber believes that it will become costly if his player option is declined and he hits the open market.

"If Horford decides to test the market one last time, even as he enters his age 40 season, Golden State could quickly lose one of its most important contributors," Bellchamber wrote Tuesday.

"Horford made clear when he signed that he wanted the Warriors to be his last NBA stop. It's not likely that more money alone tempts him to leave. But he's also made clear he wants to win another championship."

"At any rate, Horford has proved his worth. Golden State must do everything they can to convince him to pick up his option for next season."

After a slow start to his 19th campaign and first in Golden State, Horford's athleticism has appeared to return in full force, along with his outside shot-making.

He's given the Warriors new life as Curry continues his quest for championship No. 5, but the franchise currently sits as the Western Conference's No. 8 seed with a 31-30 record.

It's become clear that Golden State's front office has plenty of work to do if their aim is to be a serious contender, even with Curry fully healthy. Horford won't be able to wait around forever, possibly prompting him to join a more well-equipped contender in what would be his 20th season.

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