Stephen Curry’s multimillion-dollar decision puts Warriors’ next era under the microscope

Stephen Curry’s future with the Golden State Warriors is now officially in his hands. The extension window opened on Saturday, and the four-time champion can sign up to two more years worth $136.7 million.

The Warriors have made clear they will give their star whatever he wants. The question is what Curry decides to do with that power.

There is a lot riding on it, and not just for him.

‘What the terms of a new extension look like for Curry will be completely up to him, as the Warriors are prepared to offer their star whatever he wants,’ NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote. ‘If Steph wants the full $136.7 million through the 2028-29 season, he will get that. If he wants to take a discount to help the team, GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. will have no problem with said deal.’

The timing matters as much as the money. ESPN’s Bobby Marks laid out the terms: ‘From now until June 30, Curry is eligible to sign up to a two-year/$136.7M extension. Because of the Over 38 rule, 2 years is the maximum allowed in an extension. He can sign for up to 3 seasons if he waits until FA.’

If Curry signs immediately, it locks the Warriors into a difficult financial spot. If he waits, the picture changes completely.

Brian Windhorst has argued that waiting may be the smartest move.

‘If he chooses to sign right now, he could get two years at $140 million,’ Windhorst said.

‘Obviously if that’s what he says he wants, you give it to him. But if he doesn’t sign his contract extension right now the Warriors could have over $100 million in salary cap space next summer.’

That is the heart of the decision. Sign now and secure the bag. Wait, and give Golden State the flexibility to build a proper contender around him before he retires.

The roster as it stands is not championship calibre, and Curry has made clear he still wants to compete for titles.

The Warriors want him for life, and the belief is that he wants the same. But between a max deal and a deliberate pause lies the entire future of the franchise’s next era.

Everyone will be watching what he does with the pen.

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