Stephen Curry Signed Warriors Extension Set to Make Him NBA Highest-Paid Player
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry is on track to become the highest-paid player in NBA history in career earnings, projected to reach approximately $645 million by the end of the 2028-29 season after signing a two-year, $116 million contract extension featuring a player option for that final year.
The Contract Mechanics and Career Earnings Trajectory
The Golden State Warriors officially announced Friday that Stephen Curry agreed to the two-year, $116 million extension, a deal first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. Heading into the 2026-27 season, Curry was already playing under a one-year, $62.3 million contract that brought his career earnings to roughly $532 million, according to Spotrac figures. With the new agreement securing his immediate future through the twilight of his career, Spotrac projects Curry will play under a $55.8 million cap hit for the 2027-28 campaign, followed by a $58 million cap hit in 2028-29.
https://x.com/warriors/status/2103674334590169564
This financial structure places the veteran point guard on a clear path to shatter historical salary milestones. By the conclusion of the newly signed extension in 2029, Curry’s cumulative earnings will sit around $645 million. Spotrac notes that no other active player in the league is currently projected to surpass the $600 million threshold in career salary.
Comparative Standing in the Half-Billion Club
Curry’s financial trajectory places him ahead of longtime contemporaries Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Spotrac projects Durant and James to finish their respective tracking periods with career salaries of $591 million and $589 million. Currently, Curry, Durant, and James stand as the only three players on track to finish the upcoming season with more than $500 million in career earnings.
Looking further down the decade, analytics models from Spotrac indicate that the exclusive half-billion club will expand significantly. By 2031, this trio is projected to be joined by several marquee names across the league, including Kawhi Leonard, Devin Booker, Paul George, Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid, and James Harden.
| Player | Projected Career Earnings |
|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | ~$645 Million (by 2028-29) |
| Kevin Durant | ~$591 Million |
| LeBron James | ~$589 Million |
Health Outlook and Regular Season Preparation
While the front-office business is settled, the Warriors face physical hurdles on the court. Anthony Slater of ESPN notes that Curry agreed to the extension below his maximum eligibility—which could have reached two years and $136.7 million—in order to maintain flexibility for the franchise. However, durability remains a focal point as the team prepares for the regular season opener.
https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2103670616280715635
Curry is coming off an injury-impacted 2025-26 campaign where he appeared in just 43 regular-season games, battling patellofemoral pain syndrome in his right knee, as detailed by Monte Poole. During those appearances, Curry averaged 26.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range. The Warriors open the regular season on October 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers, looking for their star guard to bounce back from last season’s knee concerns.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.