Steph Curry reiterates long-term Warriors commitment amid contract talks. Image via: Getty Images
Stephen Curry’s $137 million extension decision with the Golden State Warriors is edging toward a resolution, and everything coming out of the Bay Area points somewhere favorable for the franchise. Warriors insider Anthony Slater expects Curry to settle on an answer within the next ten days, well before media day on September 28 in San Francisco. Golden State’s front office handed the two-time MVP a menu of contract paths back in August, then stepped away and let him work through it without applying pressure. That patience looks like it is paying off, since Curry has quietly made clear he wants to finish his career right where he started. Whichever version of the deal he picks, the guard many consider the engine of this whole era looks locked in on staying.
Stephen Curry became extension eligible on August 29, putting a two-year, $136.7 million offer on the table that the front office left entirely in his hands. The $137 million star is not shopping himself around. If he takes something closer to $40 million a year instead of the full max, the Warriors could unlock somewhere between $64 and $70 million in space once Jimmy Butler’s and Draymond Green’s contracts come off the books. Even if Curry takes the full max, Golden State should still carry roughly $40 million in flexibility heading into next offseason.
Golden State heads to Hawaii for training camp already knowing where this is headed, even if the paperwork isn’t signed yet.
Slater said Golden State’s decision-makers refused to negotiate on dollar figures and instead gave Curry several paths to pick from, ranging from the outright max to a lighter deal that would open up cap room for next summer. He compared it to a waiter setting down a menu and walking away for a few weeks, adding that Stephen Curry will come back to them and tell them what he wants. Curry has been just as direct in his own words. Asked if a free agency tour similar to the one LeBron James took this past offseason held any appeal, the four time champion shut it down without hesitation, saying he’s always stated that he wanna be a lifer with Golden State. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines That line alone strips away most of the uncertainty hanging over the situation. He is deciding how, not whether, he stays. Whatever number Curry eventually signs at will shape how much room Golden State has to work with. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.