Bay Area legend Stephen Curry just signed a one-year extension with the Golden State Warriors worth the maximum $62.6 million that keeps him with the team until the 2026-27 season. Curry had two years remaining on his four-year, $215.4 million contract.
Following his heroic efforts to lead Team USA in the Paris Olympics and coming off a season which he still put-up superstar numbers – 26.4 points, 5.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds and a shooting line of 45/41/92 – it is only fitting that Curry would retire in a Warriors jersey. At the end of his extension, he would already be 39 years, having played 18 seasons in the NBA.
Even if he stopped playing today, Curry is a lock for the Hall of Fame and would go down in NBA history as one of the best players to ever play the game and the best shooter of all time. His resume includes four NBA championships, two Most Valuable Player Awards, two-time NBA scoring champion, 10 All-NBA selections, 10 NBA All-Star selections and a gold medal in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Curry talked about his new extension with other media outlets and stated "It's still about winning and taking the steps necessary to give ourselves a chance. The standard hasn't changed. The expectation hasn't changed." So, despite his act of loyalty to the team that drafted him back in 2009, Curry still expects the Warriors head shed to surround with teammates that would help him get title No. 5.
The Warriors understand that this version of the team is living on borrowed time since Curry is in the twilight of his career. Last season, the Warriors finished 10th in the Western Conference with just 46 wins. They got a little bit better this season on both ends of the floor, acquiring DeAnthony Melton, Buddy Hield, and Kyle Anderson despite the departure of Klay Thompson. Still, this won't get Curry past conference powerhouses namely Dallas, Denver, Minnesota and Oklahoma.
For the Warriors to even contend, they would need another superstar shot creator to play alongside Curry. There were reports that the Warriors tried to swing for LeBron James last season, but that talk was shut down quickly. In the offseason, the Warriors targeted Paul George and Lauri Markkanen. George eventually landed with the Philadelphia 76ers while Markkanen signed a five-year extension with the Utah Jazz. Reports indicate that the Warriors were unwilling to let go of their good young players such as Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski understanding that they would bridge the gap once Curry finally retires.
Despite Curry's loyalty and commitment, he may not see another Finals appearance, let alone another NBA title. But a lot of things can happen in three seasons and if he becomes disgruntled, you can expect Curry to play for another team with the hopes of finding that elusive title that would further immortalize his greatness in the annals of NBA basketball.
raffyrledesma@yahoo.com
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