Stephen Curry views LeBron James’ free agency this summer as a positive moment for the NBA—and revealed that he actually reached out to try to bring LeBron to the Golden State Warriors. Despite the possibility of becoming a free agent himself next summer, Curry emphasized that his approach is different.
During a recent interview on CNBC, where he discussed his new partnership with Chinese sneaker brand Li-Ning and the release of his signature shoe next year, Curry shared the surprising news that he had indeed contacted LeBron in an effort to recruit him. He said, “If anyone didn’t try to recruit him, I think they’d be foolish. It was an exciting time for the league—with a player of his caliber and fame having the freedom to choose his next destination.”
While a Curry-LeBron reunion would have delighted fans, LeBron instead shocked many by signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, marking the fifth team of his NBA career. Though Curry believes LeBron’s decision benefits the league, he is clear that his own path is to remain with the Warriors. When asked if he planned to test free agency like LeBron, Curry responded, “Not at all.”
He elaborated, “I’ve always said I want to be loyal to Golden State. What we’ve built here, the chance to compete alongside Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr again—those things matter to me. The contract side of things in the NBA can be unpredictable year to year, but my focus is on staying competitive with Golden State, and the contract details will sort themselves out.”
Curry is eligible for a contract extension that could be worth up to two years and $136.7 million. The Warriors have reportedly told him they will accommodate whatever kind of deal he wants—be it a one-year or two-year contract, with player options or a certain salary—and he is currently weighing his options. A new deal is expected to be finalized before training camp begins. This season, Curry is set to earn $62.6 million in the final year of his current contract.
Fan Take: This glimpse into Curry’s loyalty to the Warriors is crucial for fans who cherish team legacy and championship aspirations. With the landscape of player movement shifting rapidly, Curry’s commitment could inspire stability in an era of frequent roster turnover, keeping the Warriors as a powerhouse to watch.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
