SerpApi.Org
As the Golden State Warriors continue their pursuit of LeBron James this summer, they are making plans to secure their future with a different basketball legend: Stephen Curry. Even at 38 years old, he remains the focal point of the Warriors, and they are not about to let him go anytime soon.
That’s why, according to NBA insider Evan Sidery, Curry is on the verge of a new extension that would pay him roughly $68 million per year. He won’t be eligible to sign until later this month, but there is no doubt that both sides are open and ready for negotiations.
“The Warriors will begin extension discussions with Stephen Curry, once he becomes eligible next month,” wrote Evan Sidery on X. “Golden State will offer Curry a two-year, $136.7 million max extension on August 29th. All indications are Curry will sign, which would take him through his age-40 season.”
After signing a four-year, $215 million extension in 2021, Curry ensured his status as one of the highest-earning athletes in sports. In the NBA, he’s been the highest-paid player for 10 straight seasons, topping superstars like LeBron James and Nikola Jokic. Of course, none of that mentions Curry’s yearly endorsement earnings, which are estimated at $100 million per year.
Ultimately, there’s no denying that Curry has been well-compensated for his continued loyalty and greatness, but the Warriors are confident he’s worth the investment. Despite his age and mileage, and talks about his approaching retirement, Curry’s game continues to hold up. Last season, in 43 games for the Warriors, he averaged 26.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 46.8% shooting and 39.3% shooting from three.
While Steph may no longer be at his best, he’s still the best shooter in the league and a top 10 player in the game. His mere presence on the Warriors opens up a lot of opportunities. But when it comes to Steph, the question isn’t whether he’s worth the money — it’s what the Warriors can do to ensure they put him in the best position to succeed.
After going 37-45 last season and losing in the play-in, the Warriors are clearly not contenders as currently constructed. That’s why they’ve been hard at work this summer to improve their rotation. Unfortunately, besides re-signing Kristaps Porzingis, it’s been a quiet summer for Golden State. Now, as they wait on LeBron James to make his decision, Draymond Green remains unsigned, leading to increasing doubts about the future.
The good news for the Dubs is that they seemingly still have time to get their act together. If he signs that extension, it gives them at least two more years to help Steph make one last title run. The hope is that, by the end of Curry’s newest extension, the Warriors will be in a better position to give Curry the kind of ending he deserves. So far, the progress has been slow, but it doesn’t seem to be affecting Curry’s willingness to discuss an extension. By all accounts, he’s a Warrior for life, and it would likely take something drastic for him to leave San Francisco now.
