If you know Steph Curry, you know that his top priority is simply enjoying the game. He avoids drama and distractions, focusing solely on the exhilaration of watching his spectacular shots glide through the net past defenders.
With that mindset, it’s no surprise Curry quickly ended any speculation ahead of the Warriors’ media day on Monday by agreeing to a two-year, $116 million contract extension. Currently on a contract worth $62.6 million that was about to expire, Curry was eligible for an extension of up to two years and $136.7 million beginning August 29. Although that deadline came and went without a signed deal, there was never real doubt that Curry would remain with the team he has dedicated his entire 17-season career to.
Still, had he delayed, it would have created a distracting storyline throughout the season. The focus would have shifted from his basketball brilliance to conversations about his future. Holding all the leverage as the greatest shooter ever who built the Warriors into a modern dynasty with four championships in eight years from 2015 to 2022, Curry could have waited it out, signed for the maximum, or modestly reduced his salary to give Golden State flexibility for roster improvements.
After careful thought over a month, he chose the latter. This decision is expected to free up roughly $10 million in cap space for the Warriors next summer, giving the team between $38 million and potentially $55 million to work with after this season, depending on Brandin Podziemski’s situation, according to ESPN. In other words, the Warriors will have the financial freedom to chase major signings — a promising prospect for Curry, who turns 39 in March, and for a franchise that hasn’t advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs in the past four years.
Key players Jimmy Butler ($56.8 million) and Draymond Green ($27.6 million) are secured through this season, Kristaps Porzingis has only $3 million guaranteed of his $20 million salary, and Podziemski holds a $17 million cap hold next season. With so many financial variables, Curry’s choice has helped unlock more possibilities for the team moving forward.
Curry is determined to continue playing impactful basketball as he approaches the twilight of his illustrious career. Last season, he became the oldest point guard to start in an NBA All-Star Game and finished the year averaging 26.6 points per game on 46.8% shooting overall (39.3% from three), alongside 3.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
The past few seasons have been challenging for Curry and the Warriors. They missed the playoffs twice in four years, and their championship aspirations were derailed last season after Butler tore his ACL in January. The Warriors also pursued Giannis Antetokounmpo before the February trade deadline, but the Bucks ultimately sent him to Miami this summer. This offseason, Curry and Green even attempted to court LeBron James, who opted to join the 76ers instead.
As the new season approaches, the Warriors will start without Butler and Moses Moody and are not yet viewed as title contenders. However, things could shift around the trade deadline or next offseason when their cap space increases significantly.
In 2027-2028, Curry will make $55.7 million—a pay cut from the $62.6 million he earns this season—and he has a player option for $60.2 million for the 2028-29 campaign, per ESPN. By accepting this pay reduction, Curry essentially sacrificed about $20 million to help give the Warriors a competitive edge.
Now, the onus is on the team to capitalize on this opportunity so that fans can enjoy watching Curry’s brilliance deep into the playoffs once again, before the final act of the career of the greatest shooter basketball has ever seen.
Fan Take: Steph Curry’s contract extension is huge news for basketball fans because it ensures the continued presence of one of the most transformative players in NBA history. With the Warriors gaining added financial flexibility, this move could spark exciting roster upgrades that revitalize Golden State’s championship hopes and keep the game thrilling for years to come.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
