Stephen Curry has outlined goals for when he eventually retires from the NBA, including an interest in venturing into the realm of team ownership. Given his current age of 37, one might wonder how far off that future is. Curry has little left to achieve in his already illustrious career with the Golden State Warriors, which began in 2009. However, he hasn`t shown significant signs of decline, suggesting he might still have many playing years ahead.
Curry`s father, Dell Curry, recently commented on his son`s potential longevity, indicating that the NBA might continue to see the 3-point maestro compete for quite some time.
“I think it`ll be his decision when to walk away,” Dell Curry stated to PFSN. He contrasted this with many players whose careers end when teams or the league no longer require their services. Dell believes Stephen could play “well into his 40s” because his exceptional shooting skill necessitates opposing teams guarding him closely, thereby creating scoring space for his teammates. Therefore, Dell feels the ultimate retirement decision will rest entirely with Stephen.
Having won four league championships and two NBA MVP awards, Curry has been one of the league`s most prominent faces over the last decade and a half. He has spent his entire potential Hall of Fame career exclusively with the Golden State Warriors, establishing numerous records for both the team and the league. As the NBA`s all-time leader in made three-pointers, he fundamentally altered the sport with his long-range prowess.
Curry has previously expressed a clear desire to retire with the franchise that drafted him, contingent on the Warriors remaining competitive in his final seasons.
“He still has those competitive juices — those are far from leaving him,” Dell Curry added. He emphasized that Stephen possesses the necessary game and determination to continue playing at a high level. While acknowledging Stephen is 37, Dell clarified that they aren`t anticipating “six or eight years,” but rather “many, several years left” at his current level of ability to compete in the league.
Stephen`s future beyond the upcoming season is uncertain, as he enters the final year of his contract with the Warriors. Following a one-year extension, he is scheduled to earn $62.6 million next season before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Of course, he has the option to sign another extension to avoid entering the free agency market.
Dell Curry shared his own perspective on retirement: “For me, it was when I couldn`t put the effort in during the offseason to prepare myself for that next year.” He speculated that a similar factor would likely be the key indicator for his son, saying, “I think that`ll be the calling card — when he can`t work out and prepare himself for the next season.”
During the recent 2023-24 season, Curry averaged 24.5 points, his lowest scoring output over a full season since the 2013-14 campaign. His 3-point shooting also dipped below 40% for only the second time in his career. Nevertheless, he was instrumental in leading the Warriors to a 48-34 record and making a playoff appearance that reached the Western Conference semifinals, according to the article.
Jasper Hawthorne