Stephen Curry, at 38 years old, is currently eligible to ink a two-year, $136.7 million extension with the Golden State Warriors, and they’re reportedly ready to hand it over. But here’s the kicker: he hasn’t signed it yet. And there’s a massive reason why he might be waiting for next summer.
The CBA Loophole That Puts $200 Million On The Table
This isn’t just about the Warriors being happy with their aging superstar. The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, specifically the “Over 38 rule,” plays a huge role here. As it stands, a player over 38 can only sign a two-year deal with their current team. However, if that player waits until they become a free agent, they can sign a three-year contract. Curry, who turns 39 in March 2027, is perfectly positioned to leverage this rule. If he holds off until next summer, he becomes eligible for a staggering three-year extension valued at over $200 million. Yeah, over two hundred million dollars. That kind of money makes you think twice about signing anything.
Contending For A Ring Or Rocking The Boat?
While the financial incentive is obvious, there’s more to this saga. There’s a chance Curry might want to test free agency at least once in his career, maybe to contend for a championship somewhere else. But let’s be real, the “overwhelming likelihood” is that Curry retires a Warrior. NBA insider Brett Siegel from ClutchPoints straight-up says, “He’s not going to be leaving the Golden State Warriors… He’s going to be retiring with the Warriors.” So, while he could explore options, it’s not expected he’ll actually bail or even try to force roster changes with this contract leverage.
Still, holding out creates real tension. Nick Friedell from The Athletic noted this perfectly: “if he waits… the uncertainty would create the type of lingering distraction that will hover over the group until there is resolution.” That’s the catch-22 Curry faces. We all know Steph’s not the type to publicly “rock the boat,” preferring to let his actions on the court do the talking. But this decision, this waiting game, it speaks volumes, even in silence.
Curry’s Not Alone, Superstars Are Maximizing Their Value
This isn’t an isolated incident either. We’re seeing a pattern across the league. Nikola Jokic, for example, is delaying his contract extension, reportedly hoping to hit $800 million in career earnings, all while reassuring the Nuggets he wants to retire in Denver. It’s a calculated chess game. On the flip side, you’ve got guys like Jalen Brunson and LeBron James, who took pay cuts to help build championship rosters. Then there’s Draymond Green, who’s been with the Warriors his whole career and was rumored to be willing to take a discount. Curry’s situation feels different though, more about getting what he’s worth under the rules.
So, the ball is absolutely in Curry’s court. Will he sign the $136.7 million deal now? Or will he gamble on next summer for that massive $200 million-plus contract? Until he makes his move, this decision is going to hang over the Warriors like a cloud, a true catch-22 for a player who always lets his game do the talking.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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