How Stephen Curry Could Salvage His Final Act With The Golden State Warriors

As Stephen Curry approaches the end of his career with the Golden State Warriors, he may have an opportunity to salvage his final act. The team is currently facing financial constraints due to the substantial salaries of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. In 2026, Curry is set to earn nearly $62.6 million, which accounts for almost 38% of the Warriors' $164.9 million salary cap. This leaves little room for the team to build around him for future success.

However, the Warriors could potentially save significant money in the coming offseason. By waiving Kristaps Porziņģis' contract and not extending Al Horford's, the team could free up around $140 million in cap space. This would provide ample resources for the Warriors to compete in the 2027-28 free agent market, which is expected to be crowded with top-tier players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Karl-Anthony Towns, and several others.

Curry's decision to take a smaller contract next season could pave the way for the Warriors to retool their roster and potentially add championship-caliber talent. A strategy similar to what the Houston Rockets employed when Stephen Curry signed a below-max extension with them in 2020 could serve as a model. By strategically negotiating and managing their cap space, the Warriors could position themselves for a successful future, even if Curry ultimately decides to leave after his current contract ends.