Curry weighs max money vs. Warriors flexibility

Stephen Curry is unsigned heading into his 18th season, balancing personal earnings against Golden State's ability to build a championship roster.

Sep 23, 2026

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Curry weighs max money vs. Warriors flexibility

Stephen Curry is unsigned heading into his 18th season, balancing personal earnings against Golden State's ability to build a championship roster.

In brief

Stephen Curry is unsigned heading into his 18th season, balancing personal earnings against Golden State's ability to build a championship roster. Curry is deliberately delaying his contract decision to gather information about the Warriors' competitive window and salary cap options before choosing between maximizing…

Curry enters season unsigned

The Warriors' best player became extension eligible in late August but hasn't signed. At 38, Curry is entering his 18th season in Golden State without a new deal in place.

No drama, just information gathering

Curry told ESPN there's no urgency or conflict, just a need to gather all the facts before deciding. He insists the delay won't affect his play or create anxiety.

“It's going to happen at the right time, once I have all the information I need to make the decision that is right.”

Max deal or flexibility trade-off

Max deal or flexibility trade-off

Curry could sign a two-year, $136.7 million extension, but the Warriors have offered various deals ranging from the max to lower amounts that create salary cap room to add pieces.

Warriors need roster flexibility

Curry wants to be on a competitive team and believes Golden State needs salary cap flexibility to make moves. The team hasn't had that flexibility in recent years.

“I want to have an opportunity to have some flexibility because we haven't had that in years past.”

Warriors struggling since 2022 title

Golden State has made the playoffs just twice in four years since winning the championship in 2022 and hasn't reached the Western Conference Finals. This season's roster is similar to last year's 37-45 team.

Waiting on Jimmy Butler's return

Curry may delay his decision until Jimmy Butler returns from his ACL tear later in the season. Butler's recovery will determine whether the Warriors can truly compete for a title.

What matters most

Curry is deliberately delaying his contract decision to gather information about the Warriors' competitive window and salary cap options before choosing between maximizing his final deal or taking less to create roster flexibility.

Read the original on CBS Sports

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