Stephen Curry could aim to play as long as LeBron James
There’s obviously no denying the greatness of Golden State Warriors superstar guard Stephen Curry at this stage of his career. He’s won four NBA Titles–most recently in 2021-22, when he earned his first NBA Finals MVP–owns two MVPs, two scoring titles, is a nine-time All-Star and a nine-time All-NBA honoree plus has stapled his name atop the “greatest shooter ever” list.
While it won’t be a testament to his overall greatness, Curry, 35, could eye playing as long as all-time great LeBron James, who’s entering his 21st season in the NBA. Curry, for perspective, will be entering his 15th season in 2023-24.
“It’s somewhere in that range, but I never imagined myself being the forty-plus dude trying to hold on for dear life,” Curry said, when asked about playing as long as James, who’s turning 39 in December, on Gilbert Arenas‘ podcast called “Gil’s Arena.”
“But who knows what my body will look like or feel like at that point? I got three years left on my deal, including at least that, and then kind of figure it out from there.“
Curry has three years and $167.3 million remaining on a four-year max extension he signed prior to the 2021-22 season. He is expected to make a league-most $51.9 million in 2023-24, over $4 million more than the next-highest-paid player (Kevin Durant — $47.6M), per Spotrac.
Assuming Andre Iguodala signs with a team (most likely the Warriors?), he would be the 11th player in NBA History to play 20 years. If he desires, Curry could be right behind him; he could also join Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki and Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem as the only players to play 20-plus seasons with one franchise.
The only NBA player who has played more than 21 seasons is Vince Carter (22).
“I am blessed to know and hope that no matter how many years I do play, playing for one franchise and being a part of that group of the legends that have accomplished that feat and won at the highest level and all that,” Curry said. “I don’t ever take that for granted either. You got the Kobe [Bryant]’s, the Magic [Johnson]’s, Dirk [Nowitzki], Tim Duncan, those guys helped establish a culture, won, did it with a lot of different roster combinations and different parts in their career.
“I don’t put too much of a timeline outside of my contract now just knowing that will give me 38 and 17 years in the league. I ain’t skipping out to go play golf just yet.”
Curry’s conditioning is arguably one of the best the NBA has ever seen, so it would not be impossible to imagine him playing past 40-years-old, even if he loses athleticism and overall explosiveness. The shooting will always be there, too.
The 35-year-old averaged 29.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists on 49.3 percent shooting last season, knocking down 273 3-pointers (3rd-most) after leading the NBA in made triples the two seasons prior. I don’t expect him to slow down any time soon, barring injury.
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