Stephen Curry’s future in the NBA: How many more years does he have left?

Stephen Curry, the face of the Golden State Warriors and one of the most influential players in NBA history, is approaching a critical point in his career. Now 36 years old, Curry has won multiple championships, shattered countless records, and transformed the game with his revolutionary three-point shooting. But as the years go by, one question continues to surface—how much longer will he play in the NBA?

Recently, Curry addressed this question in an interview, saying, “I know my contract is lined up, and I’d like to outplay that, for sure.” This statement has sparked conversations among fans, analysts, and the basketball community about his future in the league.

Will he follow in the footsteps of LeBron James and extend his career into his 40s? Or will he choose a different path, perhaps retiring while still at the top of his game? In this in-depth analysis, we’ll explore Curry’s current contract, his physical condition, and the factors that will determine how much longer he remains in the NBA.

Curry’s Current Contract and Career Earnings

As of 2025, Stephen Curry remains one of the highest-paid players in NBA history. His most recent contract extension, signed in 2024, was a one-year, $62.6 million deal, keeping him with the Warriors through the 2026–2027 season. This deal made him the first player in NBA history to earn over $60 million in a single season.

Curry’s career earnings have already exceeded $536 million, placing him in an elite financial category alongside LeBron James and Kevin Durant. His contracts over the years reflect both his value to the Warriors and the league’s growing financial landscape:

• 2009-2012: Early rookie contract, with salaries between $2.7 million and $3.9 million per season.
• 2013-2017: A four-year extension worth $44 million, averaging $11 million annually—considered one of the biggest bargains in NBA history.
• 2017-2021: A five-year, $201 million supermax deal, making him the highest-paid player at the time.
• 2021-2025: Another four-year, $215 million contract extension.
• 2025-2027: His latest one-year, $62.6 million deal.

Given these figures, it’s no surprise that Curry is financially secure. However, his passion for the game—not money—will likely determine how long he continues playing.

Curry’s Performance: Is He Still at His Peak?

Despite being in his mid-30s, Curry has shown little sign of slowing down. In the 2023-2024 NBA season, he averaged:

• 26.4 points per game
• 5.1 assists per game
• 4.5 rebounds per game
• 41.5% shooting from three-point range

These numbers prove that he is still among the best players in the league. One of his most remarkable performances came on February 3, 2024, when he dropped 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks, becoming the first player over 35 (besides Kobe Bryant) to achieve such a feat.

Additionally, Curry became the only player in NBA history to average over 40 points per game on 50–40–100 shooting splits over a four-game span. These accomplishments show that he remains an elite scorer and a game-changer for the Warriors.

How Long Can Curry Keep Playing?

1. Physical Health and Injury History

One of the biggest factors in determining Curry’s longevity is his health. Unlike some superstars who rely on athleticism and explosiveness, Curry’s game is built on skill, finesse, and shooting ability—traits that age well.

However, injuries have been a concern throughout his career. Early on, he struggled with ankle issues, but over time, he has managed to strengthen his lower body and avoid long-term setbacks.

To continue playing well into his late 30s and early 40s, he will need to manage his minutes, avoid unnecessary wear and tear, and focus on recovery. Players like LeBron James and Chris Paul have extended their careers using advanced training methods, and Curry is likely to follow a similar approach.

2. Motivation and Love for the Game

Curry has never been one to chase statistics or financial gain—he plays basketball because he loves the game. If that passion continues, there’s a strong chance he will extend his career.

However, if he feels like he can’t contribute at an elite level anymore, he may decide to retire earlier than expected. Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan retired when they felt their best years were behind them, while players like Vince Carter continued playing well into their 40s because they simply loved the sport.

3. The Warriors’ Future

The state of the Golden State Warriors will also play a role in Curry’s decision. If the team remains competitive and continues to chase championships, he may want to stick around longer. However, if the team enters a rebuilding phase and struggles to remain relevant, he may consider stepping away or even joining another contender—though that seems unlikely.

Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, Curry’s longtime teammates, are also nearing the end of their careers. Their decisions could impact Curry’s future, as he has always valued team chemistry and loyalty.

Comparing Curry to Other NBA Legends

To understand how much longer Curry might play, we can look at NBA legends who extended their careers beyond 35:

• LeBron James (still playing at 40): LeBron has maintained an elite level by focusing on health and fitness.
• Steve Nash (retired at 40): Like Curry, Nash was a skilled shooter and playmaker, but injuries forced him to retire.
• Ray Allen (retired at 39): A pure shooter like Curry, Allen remained effective even in his final years.
• Michael Jordan (retired at 40): Though he took breaks from the game, Jordan remained dominant in his late 30s.

Given Curry’s playstyle—which relies on shooting rather than athleticism—it’s possible he could play until he’s 39 or 40, similar to Ray Allen.

Could Curry Play Into His 40s?

Curry has hinted at the possibility of extending his career beyond his current contract, saying he wants to “outplay” it. This suggests that he sees himself playing at a high level well into his late 30s and possibly early 40s.

However, his longevity will depend on how well he manages his body, adapts his game, and stays motivated. While it’s unlikely he’ll ever be a role player coming off the bench, he could transition into a less physically demanding role, similar to how Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan adjusted their games in their final years.

If he remains injury-free and the Warriors stay competitive, Curry playing until 40 is a realistic possibility.

What’s Next for Stephen Curry?

Curry has already cemented his legacy as the greatest shooter of all time, but there’s still more he can accomplish:

• Winning another NBA championship—adding to his four rings.
• Becoming the first player to reach 4,000 career three-pointers (he’s currently on pace to do so).
• Playing alongside his brother, Seth Curry, or potentially his children in the future.

Regardless of how long he continues playing, Curry’s impact on the game will last forever.

Final Thoughts: How Many Years Does Curry Have Left?

Based on his current performance, physical condition, and motivation, it’s reasonable to expect at least three to four more elite seasons from Curry. This would mean he could play until age 40, possibly beyond.

However, the decision ultimately rests with him. Will he retire at the top of his game, or will he extend his career as long as possible? Only time will tell.

One thing is certain—when Stephen Curry eventually decides to step away from the NBA, he will do so as one of the greatest and most influential players the game has ever seen.