Stephen Curry shares major update on his retirement amid Warriors changing dynamics post trade says, 'There’s a lot of talent around the league...'

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has made it clear that he doesn’t want to extend his NBA career beyond his prime. In a recent appearance on The TK Show podcast, Curry shared his thoughts on how he envisions his retirement, emphasizing the importance of remaining competitive until the very end.

Curry’s Vision for Retirement: Staying Competitive

During the podcast, Curry reflected on the careers of legendary players who spent their entire careers with one franchise, such as Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tim Duncan. He expressed his desire to avoid the scenario Bryant faced in his final years with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“Competitive,” Curry told host Tim Kawakami. “I’ve seen different scenarios, like everybody talks about Kobe [Bryant] and his last years, [but] from my vantage point, I’m comparing it to guys who only played for one franchise: Dirk [Nowitzki], Tim [Duncan], Kobe in our era, and you think about you don’t want to be in a situation the Lakers were in those last years. I know he came off the Achilles injury, but they were a lottery team, it was more just how many points can Kobe score down the stretch of his career. I don’t want to be in that scenario.”

Curry’s comments highlight his determination to retire while still performing at a high level, rather than dragging out his career as his skills diminish.

Curry’s Skill Set Could Extend His Career

From an individual standpoint, Curry’s unique skill set could allow him to play for several more years. At 36 years old, the Warriors’ point guard has consistently been one of the most dominant players in the league, both on and off the ball. As the greatest shooter in NBA history, his selflessness, marksmanship, and ability to shoot effectively off the catch could enable him to transition into an off-guard role as he approaches his late 30s and beyond.

Curry’s shooting prowess alone could keep him relevant in the league even as he surpasses the traditional retirement age for elite players. However, the Warriors’ core is aging, with Curry, Draymond Green (34), and Klay Thompson (33) leading the charge. Golden State’s current roster is built to remain competitive for the next three seasons, with their contracts set to expire in 2026-27.

Learning from Predecessors: Duncan, Nowitzki, and Bryant

Curry’s approach to retirement seems to be influenced by the careers of his predecessors. Tim Duncan stands out as an outlier, having won an NBA championship two years before retiring. However, other superstars like Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter, who played into their 40s, saw a significant decline in their performance during their final years. Kobe Bryant, while still a prolific scorer at 37, was on a struggling Lakers team that failed to make the playoffs in his final seasons.

Curry appears determined to avoid a similar fate. He wants to retire while still contributing to a competitive team, rather than becoming a shell of his former self.

Curry’s Future: Retiring on His Own Terms

Ultimately, Curry’s decision to retire will likely hinge on his performance and the Warriors’ ability to contend for championships. If he senses a decline in his play or the team’s competitiveness, he may choose to step away from the game sooner rather than later.

“I don’t want to be in that scenario,” Curry reiterated, referring to the struggles Bryant faced in his final years. By prioritizing competitiveness and self-awareness, Curry aims to retire on his own terms, ensuring that his legacy remains untarnished by a prolonged decline.

As the Warriors navigate the next few seasons, all eyes will be on Curry to see how he balances his desire to compete with the inevitable challenges of aging in the NBA. One thing is certain: Curry is determined to go out on top, leaving the game as one of its greatest players.