As the Golden State Warriors look toward the future, their biggest concern may not be the development of young players or managing a bloated salary cap—it could be the retention of their biggest superstar, Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP and face of the franchise has spent his entire career in Golden State, delivering four championships and revolutionizing the game of basketball. But as Curry approaches the twilight of his career at 36, the Warriors’ strategy of avoiding big-money contracts in favor of a fiscally conservative approach could backfire, potentially leading to a scenario where Curry seeks greener pastures in search of his fifth ring.
Since their 2022 NBA title, the Warriors have been navigating a delicate financial situation. With major contracts already committed to long-time core players like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins, the team has limited flexibility to sign or trade for another top-tier star. Curry, Thompson, and Green alone account for a massive portion of the team’s payroll, and this financial structure has left the front office with little room to maneuver under the NBA’s stringent salary cap and luxury tax rules.
This situation was compounded by the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which introduces harsher penalties for teams significantly over the salary cap, such as repeater taxes and restrictions on using exceptions to sign players. These changes directly affect the Warriors, who have been one of the league’s highest-spending teams in recent years. While ownership has been willing to spend in the past, these new financial realities make it harder to justify another massive contract without significant risk.
Faced with these challenges, the Warriors opted to focus on retaining their existing core while promoting younger talents like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and recently acquired Chris Paul to fill the gaps. However, it’s unclear whether this internal development strategy will bear fruit quickly enough to satisfy Curry’s championship aspirations.
Stephen Curry’s greatness is undeniable. Widely regarded as the best shooter in NBA history, Curry has shattered records and built a Hall of Fame resume with four championships, two MVPs, and countless iconic moments. However, at age 36, his prime is inevitably winding down. While he continues to play at an elite level, averaging over 29 points per game in the 2022-2023 season, time waits for no one.
Curry has made it clear he wants to keep winning championships, stating in interviews that he’s driven by the pursuit of more rings. Yet, in a league where rival teams are loading up on superstars to build “super-teams,” the Warriors’ approach of financial conservatism and player development might not be enough to keep pace. Teams like the Phoenix Suns (with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal) and the Denver Nuggets (with Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray) have assembled formidable rosters that are primed for deep playoff runs. This raises the question: will Curry continue to remain patient, or will the lack of immediate help force him to reconsider his options?
One of the Warriors’ most significant challenges is navigating the evolving landscape of the NBA, where super-teams are increasingly becoming the norm. From the Miami Heat’s “Big Three” era with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh to the current iteration of the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, top teams are built around multiple All-Stars. To keep up with these powerhouses, organizations are investing heavily in high-priced talent to increase their championship odds.
However, the Warriors have chosen to shy away from this trend, instead relying on their internal development and hoping that homegrown players like Kuminga, Moody, and the returning Gary Payton II can rise to the occasion. This strategy was most evident in their decision to re-sign Draymond Green to a four-year, $100 million deal this past offseason rather than chase an external star via trade or free agency.
This cautious approach comes at a time when other championship hopefuls are aggressively pursuing blockbuster trades and signings. While the Warriors’ front office has confidence in their ability to build sustainably, the current lack of star power around Curry raises concerns about their immediate competitiveness. In a league dominated by superstar pairings, Curry may feel that the window for another title is slipping away without the necessary reinforcements.
Stephen Curry’s loyalty to the Warriors is unquestioned. Drafted by Golden State in 2009, he’s spent his entire career with the franchise, helping turn them from perennial underachievers to one of the NBA’s most successful dynasties. His connection to the Bay Area is deep, both on and off the court, and there’s no doubt that the Warriors’ legacy will forever be tied to Curry’s name.
However, as Curry’s career clock ticks, it’s not unreasonable to wonder if he might eventually look elsewhere if the Warriors don’t put themselves back in championship contention. Even though Curry is the ultimate team player, his competitive drive could push him to explore other opportunities, similar to how LeBron James left Cleveland or how Kevin Durant departed Golden State in search of new challenges and championships.
Curry has remained professional and has shown no public signs of dissatisfaction, but it’s hard to ignore the looming threat of frustration if the Warriors continue to falter in the postseason or struggle to provide him with adequate help. With teams like the Lakers, Mavericks, and even the Heat in constant win-now mode, it wouldn’t be hard for Curry to find a contender that could offer him the immediate chance to chase another title.
The Warriors are at a crossroads. With one of the greatest players in NBA history still playing at a high level, the pressure is on the front office to make bold moves or risk losing Curry, either physically or mentally, as he approaches the final chapters of his career. While the Warriors have remained competitive, their reluctance to go all-in on another high-profile star to complement Curry may lead to a scenario they never envisioned: Curry leaving the team he’s always called home.
The upcoming season could be crucial in determining the trajectory of both the Warriors and Curry’s legacy. If Golden State fails to meet expectations or stumbles in the playoffs, questions surrounding Curry’s long-term future will only grow louder. The Warriors’ front office faces a pivotal decision: either adjust their financial strategy to go after the big-name players that can keep Curry’s championship window open, or risk watching their once-in-a-lifetime talent consider options that might take him away from the Bay Area.
