Stephen Curry reiterated his faith in Warriors culture last week.
At a time when the franchise is going through its worst stretch since the early 2010s — with an owner determined to cut back expenses — Curry had the option to go ring-chasing as a free agent in 2026 or seek a trade beforehand. Nobody would have blinked an eye or criticized him for it. For his loyalty to the Warriors since 2009, Curry had earned the right to seek greener pastures.
Instead, he committed another year to Golden State, ensuring he'd remain with the franchise into his 39th birthday. Some felt the move was a sign of Curry being content with his legacy and unwilling to go elsewhere to seek his fifth championship. Curry himself doesn't view it that way.
In an interview with The Athletic's Marcus Thompson, the sharpshooter said he's still actively pursuing another ring as he voiced his confidence in Golden State's front office to get him the requisite help.
"I've always said I wanted to play for one team my whole career," Curry said. "So it's good to get [the extension] question out of the way and give complete focus to basketball and to the season... It's still about winning, and taking the steps necessary to give ourselves a chance. The standard hasn't changed. The expectation hasn't changed."
Are the Warriors doing enough to give Curry a shot at title No. 5?
They pursued trades for Paul George and Lauri Markkanen this offseason, only to strike out on both All-Stars due to their refusal to part with Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski. Some believe the Warriors erred by not moving potential stars for proven ones who can help Curry immediately.
All in all, the Warriors had a mixed bag of an offseason that saw them lose longtime star Klay Thompson, but add valuable role players Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson and De'Anthony Melton.
The Warriors are projected to win 43.5 games this season, which could mean missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year. One wonders if Curry's patience will be tested at some point in 2025.
Curry did his part by re-committing.
Now, it's on the Warriors to make the next three years count.
