Big news with Stephen Curry! The Warriors reveal their future

Less than three weeks before Stephen Curry can negotiate a new contract extension, Golden State Warriors is once again reassuring about the future of their star player. Mike Dunleavy, the franchise's general manager, affirms that Curry's intention to finish his entire career with the organization remains unchanged.

“He hasn't said anything different. That has always been the message, and that's what he has talked about. I think everything is going in that direction,” Dunleavy explained in a teleconference with several local journalists.

Curry will face the upcoming season, the 18th of his NBA career, with a $62.5 million contract expiring at the end of the season. Starting from August 29, he will be eligible to sign an extension for up to two seasons and $136.7 million.

Both within the Warriors and around the NBA, there is optimism about Curry's continuity in Golden State. The player himself has publicly made it clear that he intends to play at least a couple more seasons and that his wish is to retire with the franchise's jersey that forever changed its history.

However, Dunleavy made it clear that the final decision lies with the player.

“Ultimately, it's his decision. He can let his contract end and leave. If he comes and wants us to trade him, Joe Lacob and I will discuss it. We wouldn't like it, but he has earned the right to do as he pleases,” he stated.

The general manager was even more emphatic in explaining that, as of today, the Warriors do not contemplate a scenario in which Curry wears another team's jersey.

“Regarding the message we received or the possibility of him being somewhere else, that is not something we are considering nor is he considering,” he affirmed.

Warriors Bet on Talent Despite the Risk

Curry's continuity comes at a time of uncertainty for Golden State. The franchise had a relatively quiet market after unsuccessfully trying to recruit LeBron James. Subsequently, they decided to retain a good part of their core and renew contracts for Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II on short-term deals.

The primary concern remains health. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, the team's two starting small forwards, suffered significant knee injuries last season and are expected to miss a considerable portion of the upcoming one.

Dunleavy admitted that the franchise had to choose between immediate availability and talent.

“There wasn't a perfect solution in terms of combining both elements. We leaned a bit more towards talent. We are assuming some risk, but we value talent more than finding perfectly healthy players,” he explained.

The wager is not without uncertainties. Porzingis only played 32 games last season, while Horford missed 37 matches. Melton began the season recovering from an ACL tear, and Curry himself only participated in 43 games due to a persistent issue in his right knee.

Concern for Curry's Health

Precisely, Curry's availability will be one of the key factors determining the Warriors' aspirations. At 38 years old, the four-time NBA champion is approaching the final stretch of his career, and Golden State wants to carefully manage his minutes and physical workload.

“I hope he plays more than the 43 games he played last year. That's what we expect. It's on our radar, and we have to be aware of it. It's delicate for him and for the rest of our team players,” Dunleavy acknowledged.

The Warriors' sporting situation has raised doubts about whether the team can still compete for the championship during the last years of the era formed by Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr.

Internally, according to Dunleavy, the primary goal is to return to the playoffs initially. The executive believes that, with Butler and Moody's recovery, a bit more luck with injuries, and the opportunity to use their assets during the season to strengthen the roster, Golden State could once again approach the title contention.

But beyond any market moves, there is one certainty for Dunleavy: Curry's future remains tied to the Warriors.

“There are two things I'm sure of with Steph. He wants to win a lot and he wants to end his career as a Warrior. I don't think that will change tomorrow, on August 29, at the start of the season, halfway through the season, or at the end of the next season. Those two things will remain,” he concluded.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¡Bombazo con Stephen Curry! Los Warriors desvelan su futuro