Stephen Curry. Image via: Ezra Shaw /Getty Images
In his statement announcing the extension, Dunleavy said, “We couldn’t be more excited about reaching an agreement with Stephen and extending his historic career with the Warriors.” His words point to a practical goal: give the Warriors a better chance to compete without sacrificing the stability of a partnership that has defined much of his career. General manager Mike Dunleavy also praised Curry’s commitment.
Instead, the four-time NBA champion agreed to a two-year, $116 million contract extension in September 2026, choosing a deal worth roughly $20 million less than his reported maximum. At 38, Curry wants another championship, a competitive team around him and the chance to end his career with the franchise that drafted him in 2009. The Warriors confirmed the extension on September 26, securing Curry’s future with the franchise for two more seasons. The agreement is expected to keep him in Golden State through the 2028-29 campaign, potentially carrying him into his 20th NBA season with the same team. Curry could have commanded a maximum deal worth about $136 million over two years, according to an Associated Press report published by NBA.com. The deal also includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, according to reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle . That provision gives Curry another decision point after the 2026-27 season and could affect how much flexibility the Warriors have in the years ahead. Curry’s relationship with the Warriors stretches back to 2009, when the franchise selected him with the seventh overall pick in the NBA Draft. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
The reported $116 million agreement therefore represented a substantial concession, although the final financial difference depends on how the contract’s player option is counted. Because curry is not simply committing to a salary, the option matters. Because of a right knee injury, according to NBA.com, curry’s own availability will be important, too, particularly after he was limited to 43 games in the 2025-26 season. The $116 million agreement is therefore more than a headline about a pay cut.
It was of interest of making sure I was here, figuring out what was in the best setup for me, for the team, for the now, for the flexibility the rest of my career,” Curry said. Speaking about his decision, Curry put that connection simply: “This is a community that I’ve played in front of my entire career, and being able to finish the story the right way is a big part of, I think, what I can control thankfully, and hopefully health-wise as well,” he said. Stephen Curry could have asked the Golden State Warriors for every dollar available to him. The decision was about more than a new contract. His choice also gives Golden State more room to plan its next moves as it tries to remain a serious contender in the Western Conference. Curry explained his thinking during the Warriors’ media day, making it clear that the decision involved several possible outcomes rather than a simple choice between two salary figures. He also described the discussions as a process that required both sides to consider his personal interests and the team’s future. “It was a very, kind of, thoughtful journey, partnership of putting all the different scenarios out there. The agreement gives Curry another opportunity to compete with the Warriors while allowing the front office to consider how it can improve the roster around him. It also removes uncertainty about his immediate future, an important step for a franchise built around his shooting, leadership and long-standing connection with its supporters. Curry’s decision reflects the challenge facing an established star in the later stages of his career. He remains one of the NBA’s most dangerous offensive players, but another championship will require a strong supporting cast and a team capable of handling the demands of a long season. The Warriors cannot rely on Curry alone to carry them through every round of the playoffs. They need consistent contributions from their other starters, dependable depth and enough flexibility to respond when injuries or changes in form affect the lineup. Taking less money can help create options, although it does not guarantee that Golden State will sign another star or build a championship roster. The front office must still identify suitable players, manage future contracts and decide which moves offer the best chance of success. Curry acknowledged that the team’s recent history and future ambitions played a role in his decision. Dunleavy described Curry as an exceptional representative of the franchise, highlighting his leadership, performance and impact in the community. The comments show why the agreement matters beyond its financial terms. Curry remains central to the team’s identity, and both sides have a shared interest in keeping that relationship intact. Curry’s extension could influence several important decisions over the next two seasons. Golden State must balance its desire to compete now with the need to prepare for the period when its veteran core begins to change. Draymond Green is one of the key figures in that discussion. The longtime teammate has been part of the Warriors’ championship success alongside Curry, and retaining experienced players could help the team remain competitive. Curry acknowledged that the possibility of keeping familiar teammates was part of the broader conversation. However, the extension does not guarantee that Green or any other player will remain with Golden State. Contract terms, roster needs and the team’s financial position will all affect future decisions. He is also keeping control over part of his future. If the Warriors make the roster improvements he wants, he could continue with the franchise. If the team’s direction changes, the option could give him another opportunity to assess his choices. Golden State’s front office now faces the challenge of turning that financial room into meaningful improvement. It must judge whether to retain existing players, pursue outside talent or give younger members of the roster larger roles. A smaller contract for Curry may make those choices easier, but the team’s decisions on the court will ultimately determine whether the move pays off. His early career included questions about his size and durability, but he went on to become one of the greatest shooters in basketball history. He helped transform the Warriors into a modern NBA powerhouse, winning four championships and earning two regular-season MVP awards. His shooting range changed how teams defend the perimeter, while his partnership with Green and other teammates helped define Golden State’s championship era. The new extension offers Curry a chance to add another chapter to that story. It also reflects his connection with the Bay Area, where he has spent his entire professional career. His words capture the personal side of the agreement. Curry has earned the right to pursue the largest possible contract, yet he has chosen a route that may help his team build a stronger supporting cast. That does not mean the Warriors are guaranteed another title. The Western Conference remains difficult, and roster health, defensive consistency and the performance of younger players will all matter. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Still, the extension gives Golden State a clear foundation for the next stage of its plans. Curry remains committed to the team, and the Warriors have an opportunity to make the most of his remaining prime years. It is a decision shaped by loyalty, ambition and the realities of team building. Curry has secured his place in Golden State for the near future. Now the Warriors must show that the financial flexibility he helped create can bring them closer to another championship. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
“Yes, I was presented the max,” Curry said Monday at media day, “yes, there was everything on the table. “So trying to balance all of that is such a unique situation with all of the circumstances of where we’ve been the last four years, what’s currently on the table and where we’re trying to go to be competitive and give ourselves a chance.”