Goodbye, 29 Teams! Steph Curry Signs Major Extension: The Offseason’s Last Big Deal…

In a groundbreaking development that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, Stephen Curry, the 36-year-old superstar and face of the Golden State Warriors, has reportedly reached an agreement on a one-year, $62.6 million contract extension. This deal not only ensures that Curry remains with the Warriors but also cements his legacy as one of the highest-paid athletes in NBA history.

The decision to sign a one-year extension, as opposed to a longer-term contract, is a strategic move dictated by the NBA’s “Over-38 Rule,” which limits the length of contracts for players who will turn 38 during the contract period to three years. Despite the restriction, the Warriors ensured that Curry received the maximum possible amount, a testament to his unparalleled value to the franchise.

With this extension, Curry’s contract now runs through the 2026-2027 season, aligning with his 39th birthday and the conclusion of his 18th season with the Warriors. Over the next three years, Curry will earn $55.76 million, $59.6 million, and $62.6 million, totaling an astonishing $178 million. These figures reflect Curry’s status as not just one of the greatest players of his generation but also one of the most lucrative earners in NBA history.

Curry’s Career Earnings: A Climb to the Top

With this latest extension, Stephen Curry’s career earnings have soared to an eye-popping $536 million, placing him second on the all-time NBA earnings list, trailing only LeBron James, who has amassed $584 million over his illustrious career. Curry’s rise up the financial ranks has been nothing short of meteoric, as he now surpasses Paul George ($519 million) and Kevin Durant ($512 million), who round out the top four.

The list of the NBA’s top 15 career earners is a who’s who of current superstars, underscoring the league’s unprecedented financial growth in recent years. Every player in the top 15 is still active, a sign of the staggering contracts being handed out in today’s NBA. This surge in earnings reflects the league’s increasing global popularity, lucrative television deals, and the ever-growing revenue streams from sponsorships and endorsements.

For Curry, his path to this point is the culmination of years of excellence, both on and off the court. His remarkable journey from being doubted as an undersized guard out of Davidson College to becoming the greatest shooter in NBA history is well-documented. But beyond his shooting prowess, Curry’s impact on the game is immeasurable. He has revolutionized the way basketball is played, ushering in the three-point era and inspiring a generation of players to expand their range and embrace the deep ball.

The Final Chapter: Curry’s Legacy with the Warriors

With this extension, it is all but certain that Curry will finish his career with the Warriors, a rarity in modern professional sports where player movement has become the norm. As Curry approaches the twilight of his career, the prospect of him spending his entire NBA journey with one team evokes memories of legends like Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Dirk Nowitzki, who each spent two decades with a single franchise.

Curry’s connection with the Warriors is deep-rooted, having been the cornerstone of the franchise’s renaissance over the past decade. Drafted by the Warriors in 2009, Curry has been the driving force behind the team’s transformation from perennial underachievers to a modern dynasty. Under his leadership, the Warriors have won four NBA championships, with Curry claiming two MVP awards and a Finals MVP along the way.

As Curry prepares to enter his 18th season with the Warriors, the idea of him retiring as a Warrior becomes increasingly tangible. This extension, which carries him through the 2026-2027 season, aligns with his 39th birthday, signaling a potential final chapter in a career that has already left an indelible mark on the NBA.

The Warriors organization, recognizing Curry’s enduring value, has done everything possible to keep their star player happy and secure his services for as long as he wishes to continue playing. The loyalty between Curry and the Warriors is mutual, and as long as he remains healthy and motivated, there’s little doubt that Curry could continue to play at a high level into his 40s.

A Perfect Career: Curry’s Trophy Cabinet

While the news of Curry’s extension has fans and analysts buzzing, it’s important to take a step back and appreciate the full scope of his achievements. Curry’s career has been nothing short of remarkable, and his trophy cabinet is a testament to his greatness. He has already achieved what most players can only dream of: four NBA championships, two regular-season MVPs, a Finals MVP, and a place on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

Curry’s accolades extend beyond the NBA as well. This summer, he added an Olympic gold medal to his collection, further solidifying his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. In addition to his NBA success, Curry has also won two FIBA World Cup gold medals, been named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year, and won multiple ESPY awards.

However, if there’s one accolade that Curry still lacks, it’s the title of “百战称王” (King of the Hundred Battles). This honorary title, while not widely known in the United States, carries significant weight among NBA fans in China and other parts of Asia. Recently, rumors have surfaced that Curry’s team has been in talks with a well-known online influencer platform to potentially organize a 百战 event, where Curry would compete in a series of challenges against top internet personalities. If the deal goes through, Curry could soon add this unique title to his already impressive resume.

The Growing Interest in 百战: NBA Stars Line Up for the Challenge

The prospect of Curry participating in a 百战 event has generated significant interest among NBA fans and players alike. Since Paul George took part in the 百战 challenge last year, several other NBA superstars have expressed their desire to compete, attracted not only by the challenge itself but also by the lucrative financial rewards that come with it.

One player who has been particularly vocal about his interest in the 百战 challenge is Russell Westbrook. Now with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook has reportedly been eager to participate, despite the fact that his current NBA salary is only a fraction of what he once earned. Many fans and analysts are skeptical of Westbrook’s chances in such a competition, citing his decline in recent years and his struggles with outside shooting.

Nevertheless, Westbrook’s relentless drive and athleticism make him a compelling contender. Some believe that his physicality and ability to attack the basket could give him an edge over less experienced competitors. Even if Westbrook’s outside shooting remains a liability, his explosiveness and intensity could prove too much for the social media stars who would line up against him.

The idea of Curry participating in 百战 has also sparked debate. Critics argue that Curry’s game, which is heavily reliant on three-point shooting, may not translate well to a one-on-one format. They suggest that Curry’s finesse and reliance on perimeter play could be less effective in the physical, mano-a-mano style of 百战. However, Curry’s supporters counter that his skill set, basketball IQ, and competitive fire make him a formidable opponent in any setting.

The 百战 challenge, should it take place, would likely be scheduled for September, during Curry’s offseason tour in China. For fans in China, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their NBA heroes up close and personal, competing in a unique and thrilling format. As for Westbrook, it would be his first public appearance in China since joining the Nuggets, making it a highly anticipated event for his new fanbase.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Curry and the Warriors?

As the dust settles on this monumental contract extension, the focus now shifts to what lies ahead for Curry and the Golden State Warriors. The team is coming off a season of ups and downs, and while they remain a formidable force in the Western Conference, questions remain about their ability to return to championship contention.

Curry’s extension provides stability and continuity for the Warriors, ensuring that they remain competitive for the foreseeable future. But with Draymond Green and Klay Thompson also nearing the latter stages of their careers, the Warriors face the challenge of balancing their current roster with an eye toward the future.

The upcoming season will be a critical one for the Warriors. With Curry still playing at an elite level, the team has a window of opportunity to make another deep playoff run. But they will need to address key areas, such as depth and consistency, to maximize their chances.

For Curry, the next few years will be about solidifying his legacy. Already considered one of the greatest players of all time, Curry has little left to prove. But his competitive spirit and love for the game will undoubtedly drive him to continue pushing the limits of what he can achieve.

As he embarks on the final chapters of his career, Curry’s story is one of loyalty, perseverance, and unparalleled success. His impact on the game of basketball is immeasurable, and his journey with the Warriors is a testament to what can be achieved when talent, hard work, and the right environment come together.

For the 29 other NBA teams, Curry’s extension is a sobering reminder that their hopes of prying him away from the Bay Area are over. Steph Curry is, and will remain, a Warrior through and through.