Stephen Curry became extension-eligible this past Saturday, and like Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić, he's made it clear that he doesn't intend to leave the only NBA team he's ever known. That doesn't mean he will sign an extension before the season starts, though, which would help the Nuggets, since Jokić's future wouldn't be the only one being dissected.
Jokić is delaying signing an extension for the second straight offseason, pushing it to 2027, when he will be eligible to sign for more money and an additional year ($359.5 million across five years). Although he's said that he wants to be with the Nuggets forever, as in until he retires, that hasn't stopped the speculation from starting. And it will only rise as the season goes on.
Curry is eligible to sign a two-year deal right now (or a one-year deal), and no more than that, because of the NBA's Over-38 rule, so he can't be under contract for more than three years. Since he's already under contract for the 2026-27 season, he can't sign a contract longer than two years this offseason.
He could wait until next summer, when he'll be an unrestricted free agent (like Jokić could be if he declines his $62.8 million player option for 2027-28), and sign a three-year deal. That would set Curry up through the 2029-30 season, which could be his last, letting him ride off into the sunset.
If the above route is the one he chooses to take, not only will Jokić's future be a hot topic of conversation throughout the season, but so will Curry's. In other words, it'll take attention off Denver.
Curry could wait to extend with the Warriors
It doesn't matter that Curry and Jokić have said on multiple occasions that they want to stay where they are. If there's even a slight chance either could leave, there will be enough fuel to keep the fire going. Opposing teams will still be circling, hoping they'll change their minds.
Unfortunately, while it makes sense for Jokić to wait for more money and added security, his decision to hold off will be a distraction, though that won't be his fault. It's not something the Nuggets want to deal with, especially as they try to chase another championship, but it's just how things will go.
Curry has a lot of power, even at 38, but not enough to take the full spotlight away from Denver, though he will certainly command quite a bit of it. He can direct some of the vultures away from Denver and toward San Francisco, which would be appreciated.
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