Few names in modern basketball resonate with the impact of Stephen Curry. A four-time NBA champion, two-time MVP, and eleven-time All-Star, Curry didn`t just win; he fundamentally reshaped how the game is played from the three-point line. His place among the pantheon of greats is secure, his legacy already etched in the annals of the sport.
Yet, even for athletes of Curry`s caliber, time remains the ultimate, undefeated opponent. At 37 years old, the conversation inevitably turns to the horizon – specifically, when will the legendary sharp-shooter decide to hang up his sneakers? While he clearly retains the skill to compete at the highest level, retirement is no longer a distant concept but a question posed with increasing frequency.
Curry himself addresses this reality with a pragmatic, almost understated approach. When asked recently about his playing future, his response was direct and tied to his current professional commitments: “I don`t know,” he stated simply. “I`m just taking it two years at a time. That`s what I have left on my contract right now.”
This perspective aligns neatly with his current contract situation, which includes a substantial one-year extension set to pay him $62.6 million before he is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. It`s a significant figure, certainly, but it also marks a clear endpoint on the contractual calendar, prompting the star to look ahead in defined, two-year increments.
Adding another layer to the discussion, his father, Dell Curry – a respected former NBA player in his own right – has offered insight into his son`s potential longevity. Dell suggests that Stephen is in a unique position to dictate his own retirement timeline, potentially playing well into his 40s. The rationale is sound: Stephen`s unparalleled shooting prowess demands defensive attention the moment he crosses half-court, a skill that remains potent even as pure athleticism might wane. This gravity on the floor inherently creates space and opportunities for teammates, making him invaluable regardless of age.
It`s true that last season saw a slight dip in some statistical areas for Curry, including his lowest points-per-game average since the 2013-2014 season and only the second time his three-point percentage dropped below 40% for a full season. While these figures might signal the natural effects of aging, they hardly paint a picture of a player whose skills have evaporated. His mere presence continues to warp defenses and elevate the players around him.
Ultimately, the precise date of Stephen Curry`s final game remains unknown. There is no grand retirement tour currently being mapped out. Instead, the future of the Warriors` iconic point guard is being viewed through a manageable lens: two years at a time. For now, the focus remains on the court, the competition, and fulfilling the commitment laid out in his current deal, with the understanding that time, as it does for all, will eventually call the final shot.
Jasper Hawthorne