The Golden State Warriors are betting heavily on Stephen Curry, but the stakes now stretch far beyond the court. He is eligible for a contract extension. Therefore, the 38-year-old holds a decision that could shape the franchise’s future. With several paths ahead, one choice stands out: perhaps waiting could give Curry and the Warriors far more.

On the Hoop Collective podcast, Brian Windhorst, Anthony Slater, and Tim MacMahon discussed the situation at Golden State.

Slater said, “He (Stephen Curry) could do a one-year max, or he could wait. And again, the Warriors have presented him these options. The one thing I will tell you from talking to people this weekend is they’re adamant. They’re not negotiating with Steph Curry right now.”

He added, “They are saying, ‘You can do this, you can do this, you can do this. If you want the one-year max, if you want the two-year max, if you want to wait, like here’s your menu. Pick off your menu.'”

Now, the sole purpose for urging Curry to wait is flexibility. “The money side of this is what flexibility could they have if Steph Curry either waits or agrees to take less than his max. And that’s about their cap space next summer, which again can be utilized at the deadline if you absorb somebody in whatever,” Slater added.

“But I believe that if he took his max now, Bobby Marks has told me it takes him to about 45 million in cap space, which is still a ton of cap space. It just limits, I guess, all of what they can do.”

ESPN’s Bobby Marks believes Stephen Curry’s next contract decision could determine how much room Golden State has to reshape its roster. Curry carries a $65.7 million cap figure. He can take that amount, accept $50 million or $55 million, or delay the extension. Marks prefers the third route. That could leave $65 million available next summer, giving Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy Jr. room to chase one or two upgrades. A 2-8 start could also strengthen Curry’s case for help.

Still, each choice carries a catch. Nikola Jokic may remain out of reach, while an injury could hurt Curry’s leverage. A maximum deal could become cumbersome, with Curry earning $65 million plus at 39 and $70 million plus at 40. The CBA allows a 40% reduction from his $62.6 million salary, bringing 2027-28 to about $37.5 million. That discount seems unlikely, but $50 million could give Golden State breathing room.

And not just breathing room, but a possible chase for Anthony Davis, who has yet to decide on his future with the Washington Wizards.

Stephen Curry’s decision could make way for Anthony Davis

“Anthony Davis now, it’s a very big number he can opt into. It’s over $60 million. I think his preference is to extend in Washington; if not in Washington, to be traded somewhere where he can extend,” Brian Windhorst said.

AD and the Wizards plan to postpone extension discussions until at least 20 games of the 2026–27 NBA season have been played. Davis is entering the season on a three year, roughly $175 million contract, with a $58.5 million salary for 2026–27 and a $62.7 million player option for 2027–28.

He can also sign a four-year extension worth around $275 million. However, both sides want more time to assess his fit with Trae Young, team chemistry, and overall health. Davis’ recent injury history has also encouraged caution before committing to another massive long term deal.

Now, Steph Curry delaying his contract could give Golden State more flexibility for Anthony Davis. If Curry waits, he could choose a three-year deal instead of locking into two years and $136.7 million to $138 million. That structure could spread his salary and preserve valuable room later. It could matter if Davis reaches free agency before 2028.

Meanwhile, the Warriors have $146.9 million tied to Steph Curry at $62.5 million, Jimmy Butler at $56.8 million, and Draymond Green at $27.6 million next season. All three deals expire. Kristaps Porzingis is owed $20 million, but only $3 million is guaranteed, creating another $17 million of potential room. A Podziemski extension could also reshape their flexibility. That could make Davis more realistic.

Overall, the Warriors are dependent on Steph and his decision now. It is safe to say that the 38-year-old won’t leave. However, will he take a pay cut or keep his decision on hold? Will he let his team breathe and find the missing piece? These questions are looming large.