Stephen Curry could have waited until December, when he could gather enough intel on this Warriors season to have at least some idea of its direction.He could have remained patient until the Feb. 11, 2027 NBA trade deadline, giving Golden State CEO Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy four-plus months to buttress the roster or simply consider that deed completed with the anticipated midseason returns of Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody.
Curry, however, decided to put pen to paper on Friday, signing a two-year contract extension worth a reported $116 million, $20 million less than the maximum $136 million he became eligible for last month. He holds a player option for Year 2 (2028-29).
Curry has consistently said he wants to be a Warrior for life, and there is every reason to believe him. This extension, however, indicates the most decorated player in franchise history wants to give himself leverage after he turns 40.
Two days after Curry said his contract status would not be a distraction, this guarantees it.
More significantly, though, Curry’s willingness to take less than the max gives...