Steph Curry explains Warriors extension decision: ‘This is home’
SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry has spent his entire NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, and his latest contract decision ensures that relationship will continue.
Curry spoke publicly for the first time since agreeing to a two-year, $116 million extension with Golden State, explaining that his connection to the franchise and the Bay Area played a major role in his decision.
“This is home,” Curry said. “This is what we’ve built.”
Curry entered the offseason with one year remaining on his contract at $62.6 million. After becoming eligible for an extension Aug. 29, he and Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy discussed several possibilities, including a maximum extension or waiting until a later date.
Curry ultimately agreed to a two-year deal worth $116 million. The contract includes a player option for the second season, meaning he has committed to one additional guaranteed season while providing Golden State with additional financial flexibility.
Curry could have signed a two-year extension worth approximately $136.7 million. Instead, he accepted a deal more than $20 million lower in total value, with the structure giving the Warriors additional room as they plan for the future.
Golden State has built its roster around several large expiring contracts, creating potential flexibility for moves during the season and next offseason. Curry said he is not focused on looking too far ahead.
“I’m not fast-forwarding to February,” Curry said. “I’m not fast-forwarding to next offseason.”
Curry said the immediate priority is beginning the season and competing.
“If we’re competitive and doing what we’re supposed to do, then that’s information learned on how we need to get better,” he said.
The Warriors also received an injury-related setback Monday. Porzingis will miss the start of training camp because of what Dunleavy described as another “health issue.” He will not travel with the team to Hawai’i and will miss the first four practices of camp, as well as Golden State’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Clippers next Sunday in Honolulu.
Dunleavy said the team is not currently ruling Porzingis out for the beginning of the regular season.
“He’s just not available this week,” Dunleavy said.
Golden State is also without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, who are recovering from significant knee injuries. Both players are currently limited to individual work and are expected to remain out for multiple months.
The uncertainty surrounding the Warriors has created questions about the team entering the season, but Curry said his contract decision was based on the same approach he has taken throughout his career: focusing on the opportunity directly in front of him.
Curry, who will turn 39 in March, is entering his 18th NBA season. While questions remain about the Warriors’ roster beyond the current season, his commitment to finishing his career in Golden State is clear.
“There’s a pride of representing the Bay,” Curry said. “Representing this franchise that when I stepped foot here in 2009 and what we’ve all been able to accomplish — this isn’t just a me thing, this is a we.”
Curry said that responsibility was at the forefront of his thinking when deciding whether to extend his time with the Warriors.