Twelve-time NBA All-Star Stephen Curry just reaffirmed his commitment to the Golden State Warriors, signing a two-year, $116 million extension with a player option for 2028-29. But here’s the kicker: Curry was eligible for up to $136.7 million over the same period, meaning he left a cool $20.7 million on the table. This isn’t just a handshake deal; it’s a glaring sign of where the Warriors stand right now.
The Numbers Are Getting Hard to Ignore
Curry, a four-time champion, could have explored free agency next summer, but he’s decided to stick around. While loyalty is admirable, that $20 million pay cut speaks volumes about the current state of the Warriors. This isn’t the dominant dynasty we once knew. Golden State stumbled to a 37-45 record in 2025-26, and they couldn’t even get out of the play-in tournament. Sure, Curry only played in 43 games, which definitely hurt, but let’s be real: even with more Curry, the team is just not built like a championship contender anymore. They are staking a massive gamble on 36-year-old Jimmy Butler bouncing back from a torn ACL. And even if Butler is healthy and Curry stays at his peak, the source says it still might not be enough. Talk about high stakes!
The Unanswered Questions and Failed Big Swings
The front office knows this team isn’t cutting it. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. was reportedly willing to send *four first-round picks* to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo before the 2026 trade deadline, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. Think about that commitment! But bringing in a player like Antetokounmpo would have meant sacrificing Butler or franchise icon Draymond Green, because there’s just no other way to fit a big salary like that on the books. And forget about the pipe dream of bringing both Anthony Davis and LeBron James to the Bay Area; that idea quickly died. It’s no wonder former GM Bob Myers saw the writing on the wall and stepped down in May 2023, leaving Dunleavy holding the bag.
Coach Steve Kerr signing a new two-year deal was one piece of good news. His future was a huge storyline last year, and everyone wondered if it would sway Curry. The rapport between Curry and Kerr goes way beyond typical coach/player stuff. Curry himself told ESPN’s Anthony Slater last fall that he didn’t want to play for another coach. He even said, “We deserve that, I feel. … We’re in a very unique situation that we deserve the opportunity [to ride it out].” Kerr’s decision to stay probably calmed a lot of nerves about Curry’s status. But if winning another title is really Curry’s overriding goal, then his best shot probably isn’t with this current Warriors squad. They simply aren’t “there” and have no easy path to get back.
So what does it all mean? Curry’s new contract is a cause for celebration in the short term for Warriors fans. They’re justified in feeling excited that their superstar is sticking around. But the long-term questions? Oh, they are still very much out there. Curry is putting a ton of faith in the front office, or maybe his desire to be a one-team player is just bigger than chasing that fifth championship. Either way, the drama in Golden State is far from over.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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