Follow us on Google Discover Stephen Curry has agreed to a new two-year, $116 million extension with the Golden State Warriors, but the deal could mean much more than simply keeping their franchise star in the Bay Area.
Curry left around $20 million on the table by accepting less than the maximum extension available to him. His new deal includes a player option for the 2028-29 season and keeps him under contract through at least 2027-28.
The decision could give the Warriors a rare opportunity to make a major move next summer, with cap analyst Yossi Gozlan projecting Golden State could have as much as $64 million in cap space in 2027.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesStephen Curry’s contract could give Warriors room for a major signing
The projected maximum salary slot for the 2027 offseason is approximately $61.6 million, meaning Golden State could potentially have enough room to pursue a max-level free agent while keeping Curry.
That was clearly part of Curry’s thinking when he discussed his contract situation earlier this week.
“I want to be on a competitive team,” Curry said. “I want to have an opportunity to have some flexibility because we haven’t had that in years past, the recent past.”
The Warriors could have offered the 38-year-old approximately $136.7 million over two years. Instead, Curry agreed to $116 million, with the first year of the extension worth $55.7 million.
That sacrifice could prove significant for Golden State after years of operating under tight financial restrictions.
Before Curry’s extension, the Warriors had only around $43 million in guaranteed salary committed for 2027-28, with several major contracts set to come off the books.
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There is still work required to maximise that projected space, including additional roster decisions and potentially renouncing certain free-agent rights. However, the pathway to adding another major player is now there.
For Curry, the message is also clear. He has accepted less money because he wants Golden State to have the flexibility to build a competitive roster around him.
The pressure will now shift to the Warriors’ front office to make that sacrifice count when the 2027 offseason arrives.
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