Did Stephen Curry Retire?

Stephen Curry has not retired as of August 8, 2023. While Curry has mentioned contemplating the end of his illustrious career and seeking advice from other veteran athletes, he has not shown any concrete interest in retiring just yet and has stated that he feels like he still has a lot left to give the game of basketball.

What is Stephen Curry’s Current Status in the NBA?

Curry is currently in the midst of his 13th NBA season with the Golden State Warriors. He turned 34 years old in March 2023 and will be celebrating his 35th birthday on March 14, 2024.

According to various reports and statements from Curry himself, barring any serious or career-ending injuries, he is likely to continue playing professional basketball until around the age of 40. His current contract with the Warriors runs through the 2025-26 season, indicating that fans can expect to see Curry lighting up NBA courts for at least 3 more years.

Some key facts about Stephen Curry’s current NBA status:

Drafted 7th overall in 2009 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors
2022-23 season marks his 13th NBA season, all with the Warriors
Led the Warriors to 4 NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
2x NBA MVP (2015, 2016), 1x Finals MVP (2022)
Career averages of 24.5 points, 6.6 assists, 4.7 rebounds per game
Holds NBA record for most 3-pointers made in regular season (3,117) and playoffs (470)
Signed a 4-year, $215 million contract extension with Warriors in 2021
Set to earn $59.6 million in 2025-26 season, last year of current contract

At 34 years of age, Curry is still performing at an elite level and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. He continues to be the focal point and face of the Warriors franchise.

Has Curry Discussed Retirement Plans?

In recent years, Curry has been asked on several occasions about how much longer he intends to play professional basketball. While he has acknowledged contemplating his NBA endgame, Curry has not set a definitive timeline for retirement just yet.

In March 2022, Curry stated:

“I don’t know how long I’m going to play. I don’t know how many years I’ve got left. I’m just enjoying every moment of it.”

He went on to add:

“Right when I get to that point where I’m like, ‘Alright, I’m kind of done,’ I’ll be done pretty quick. I’m not going to be out here just hanging on.”

This indicates that Curry intends to retire on his own terms, rather than clinging to his career until forced out by declining performance or health.

In December 2022, Curry revealed that he has spoken to older players like LeBron James, Chris Paul and Andre Iguodala about their experiences approaching the end of their careers.

He stated:

“You start to smell the light at the end of the tunnel…You do start thinking about what’s going to be next and what’s it going to look like on the other side.”

However, Curry maintains that he still has more to accomplish in the NBA, saying:

“I feel like I have a lot more to give to the game.”

The general consensus is that barring any major injury setbacks, Curry will likely retire around age 40, which would be following the 2025-26 NBA season.

What Are Some Factors That Could Impact Curry’s Retirement Timeline?

Several key factors will play a role in determining exactly when Stephen Curry ultimately decides to hang up his jersey for good.

Health and Injuries

The most important consideration will be Curry’s long-term health and injury outlook. Now in his mid-30s, injuries could begin taking a greater toll.

Curry has dealt with numerous injuries during his NBA career, including multiple ankle sprains, a fractured hand, and shoulder issues. He will likely weigh his health and risk of further injury as a major factor in deciding when to retire.

Team Success

The Warriors’ ability to contend for championships in Curry’s remaining years will also be a key factor. If the Warriors struggle to remain contenders, Curry may opt to retire earlier than 40.

But if the team manages to rebuild successfully and surround Curry with enough talent to compete for more titles, he’d likely want to keep playing deep into his 30s.

Personal Motivation

How much motivation and passion Curry still has for basketball as he ages will determine whether he wants to continue playing until 40 or hang it up earlier.

Whenever Curry does begin to feel that fire start to fade, retirement speculation will pick up intensity. But by all accounts, that moment still seems at least a few years away.

Financial Considerations

With Curry set to earn $59.6 million in 2025-26, the last year of his current Warriors deal, he has a strong financial incentive to play out the remainder of his contract.

If he retired earlier, he would be leaving a lot of money on the table. But financial motivations will likely take a backseat to health, success and passion.

Life After Basketball

How appealing post-NBA life looks to Curry will also feed into his retirement timeline. Curry has discussed pursing golf professionally after retiring from the NBA.

If he remains engaged in that or discovers other fulfilling pursuits, the draw of retirement could strengthen as his late 30s approach.

What Has Curry Said About His Future Retirement?

Curry has made a few candid comments over the years about what retirement might look like for him and when he envisions stepping away from the NBA:

In 2020, Curry stated, “The only reason I would stop playing basketball is if I don’t feel I can stay on the floor.” This suggests injuries or health issues will be the deciding factor.
In 2021, he said “I still have a lot in the tank. I want to continue to set the bar at the highest for as long as I can play.” Indicating he doesn’t intend to retire based on age alone.
In 2022, Curry said “I know I can’t do this forever…it’s not a matter of skill but just staying motivated and sharp.” Retirement plans will likely hinge on maintaining that competitive drive.
He has mentioned “going and trying golf professionally” once his NBA career ends. A potential post-retirement pursuit that Curry sounds excited about.
He has stated a desire to retire as a member of the Warriors, the franchise that drafted him and where he has spent his entire 13-year career so far.

So while an exact retirement date remains unclear, Curry has suggested it will come down to his health, motivation and ability to keep performing at a high level. Most signs point to that occurring sometime around 2026 at age 38 or 39.

What is Curry’s Historical Significance and Legacy?

Even if he retired today, Stephen Curry’s career accomplishments and impact on the game of basketball ensure that he is already a historical and legendary figure in the NBA.

Revolutionized the 3-Point Shot

Curry’s unlimited shooting range and lightning-quick release popularized and revolutionized the 3-point shot. He has made over 3,000 career 3-pointers and has had multiple seasons making over 400 threes.

In doing so, Curry has become the greatest and most prolific outside shooter in NBA history. His shooting prowess has made the 3-pointer a central part of modern NBA offenses.

Two-Time MVP

By winning MVP awards in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, Curry established himself as one of the NBA’s most dominant players. Those two MVPs were secured during the peak of the Warriors historic 73-9 regular season.

Led Dominant Warriors Era

Curry was the central figure of the Warriors dominant run between 2015-2019, when they made 5 straight NBA Finals appearances and won 3 titles. Some consider those Warriors teams among the best ever assembled.

Inspired Young Talent

A whole generation of young players grew up trying to imitate Curry’s dazzling handles and perimeter scoring. He has inspired countless youth to dedicate themselves to basketball and hone their 3-point shot.

NBA Records and Milestones

Curry already owns the career records for 3-pointers made in regular season and playoffs. He is on pace to become the NBA’s all-time leading 3-point scorer. And with over 18,000 career points and counting, he will likely end up high on the NBA’s career scoring list.

Longevity with Warriors

Spending his entire career so far with one franchise is a rare feat for a star of Curry’s caliber. His loyalty and longevity with the Warriors has made him the face of the franchise.

With at least 3 more elite seasons, Curry will only further cement himself as an inner-circle NBA legend. But even if he never plays another game, Curry’s revolutionary impact and dominance have already ensured a lasting legacy.

Conclusion: Curry Not Retiring Anytime Soon

At just 34 years old and still performing at a high level, Stephen Curry has made it clear through his own words and actions that he has no plans to retire from the NBA in the near future.

While he has acknowledged pondering life after basketball, Curry remains motivated to keep playing and confident he can continue competing at a championship level into his late 30s.

Barring any sudden injuries or declines in performance, fans can expect to keep watching Curry’s magical shooting and dazzling playmaking for at least 3-4 more seasons. He is determined to add to his Hall of Fame legacy with more deep playoff runs and championship pursuits alongside the Warriors.

When Curry does eventually hang it up, whether at 38, 39 or 40 years old, he will do so as one of the most accomplished and revolutionary players in NBA history. An entire generation of fans has grown up with “Chef Curry” highlights as the backdrop of their basketball experience. The sheer volume of 3-pointers he has drained may never be matched.

For now, the clock is ticking down on Curry’s remaining time in the NBA. So enjoy witnessing the greatest shooter who has ever lived continue plying his trade while you still can. But make no mistake – Stephen Curry is far from entering retirement anytime soon.

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