The Golden State Warriors believe that the franchise’s greatest player ever will retire with the team. Executives are doing all in their power to ensure they will keep him there.
At 38-years-old, Stephen Curry is in the twilight of his career – but hopes to continue his playing days.
Curry’s current contract, a $62.6million extension signed in August of 2024, is set to lapse at the end of the 2026-27 season.
With this in mind, Curry will become eligible to extend his deal for two years in just a few weeks’ time on August 29.
However, despite his confidence that he will stay, general manager Mike Dunleavy isn’t making any guarantees.
‘I’m pretty confident Steph will finish his career here,’ Dunleavy said on a Tuesday video call. ‘Ultimately it’s his call, his decision, whether that’s allowing his contract to run out and move on.’
Steph Curry’s future with the Golden State Warriors is uncertain going into this season
Curry, 38, has been a Warriors lifer, but his contract is set to expire at the end of the season
Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy is confident Curry will stay in Golden State but is open to options
While Curry has become synonymous with the Warriors – having won four titles with the team in the mid-2010s – Dunleavy isn’t ruling out the possibility of a trade if the 3-point maestro wants a new playing environment.
‘Look, if he comes to me and wants to be moved, Joe (owner Joe Lacob) and I will talk it through. We wouldn’t love it. But he’s earned the right to do what he wants, do those things.
‘But as far as the messaging or any idea that he would be anywhere else, that’s not a thing we’re looking at or he’s looking at.’
While Curry averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds last season, he was only limited to 43 games.
A nagging knee injury impacted his entire season before he fully returned in April. This season, coach Steve Kerr – who signed a two-year contract – will keep a close eye on Curry’s playing time.
‘I think with the knee, other injuries and then his age, it’s definitely something we have to manage,’ Dunleavy said.
Last season’s Warriors (37-45) also dealt with season-ending knee injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody that required surgeries and finished 10th in the Western Conference. After beating the Los Angeles Clippers in the first play-in tournament game, Golden State lost 111-96 at Phoenix.
While the Warriors whiffed on signing LeBron James this offseason, they brought back Draymond Green on a one-year contract for $27.7 million, and also Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Gary Payton II.
Curry spent most of the previous season battling a knee injury, reducing his playing time
Head coach Steve Kerr will be charged with keeping a close eye on Curry’s minutes
Dunleavy says if Curry wants a move he has ‘earned the right’ to go elsewhere
Dunleavy hasn’t heard any change of thinking from Curry, who is headed into his 18th NBA season still determined to add to his four championships with Golden State. The Warriors last won in 2022.
‘That’s always been what he’s discussed. I think that’s tracking quite well,’ Dunleavy said of Curry staying put.
‘There’s two things I’m confident about with Steph. He really, really wants to win and he wants to finish his career as a Warrior.
‘I don’t think that changes tomorrow, Aug. 29th, the start of the season, middle of the season, the end of next season. I think those things are going to be consistent.’
