How the Warriors Can Handle a Two-Time MVP’s 2026 Contract Extension Eligibility
Golden State is, without a doubt, at a crossroads as its dynasty core nears retirement. For the team from the Bay, a long offseason that will require significant decision-making has already begun. General manager Mike Dunleavy has had a handful of questions to answer, including the coaching front, juggling who will return and who will be added in free agency, and developing a draft strategy. It has been far from easy for the front office to determine how it can optimize the ending of Stephen Curry’s career, who will turn 38 next season. A small part of that quest comes down to managing the player’s own contract, as the four-time champion has become eligible for a two-year extension.
To further crunch down the numbers, Curry can sign a new contract that would keep him in the Bay through the 2028-2029 campaign. Should the deal reach its max, the Charlotte native can earn up to $136.7 million over those two seasons, which would be broken down to $65.7 million and $71 million, respectively. That would annually pay him more than ever before on a per-year basis, and yes, even at the end of his time in the NBA. The question that remains is whether Curry will take a team-friendly deal or get the whole sack of money. Historically, over the course of his 17 years with the Warriors, Curry has not left many pennies on the table. Injury concerns prevented him from signing big with his first extension, but ever since then, the Davidson alumnus has gotten paid every dollar he deserves.
It’s fair to assume that Golden State would want from its future Hall-of-Fame inductee to take a more favorable deal for the team. That would give Dunleavy more room to negotiate other extensions, or even attract bigger names in free agency. The Warriors have remained loyal to Curry and have pushed all their chips to the middle for him. In these particular extension talks, I’d expect Golden State to ask its franchise guard to take less money than the maximum. That way, the front office can reinvest what’s saved towards forming a better all-around roster, which should benefit both sides and the shared goal to reach the NBA’s pinnacle one last time.
