Stephen Curry's Expectation for Warriors 'Hasn't Changed' After Contract Extension

Stephen Curry still expects the Golden State Warriors to remain competitive in the Western Conference standings after signing an extension with the organization.

"It's still about winning, and taking the steps necessary to give ourselves a chance," Curry told The Athletic's Marcus Thompson (h/t Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports Bay Area). "The standard hasn't changed. The expectation hasn't changed."

On Thursday, the two-time MVP signed a one-year, $62.6 million extension with the Warriors that keeps him under contract through the 2026-27 season.

His new contract makes him the second-highest paid player in the NBA on an average annual basis during his 2026-27 campaign, only trailing Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum (per Spotrac).

Curry has repeatedly expressed his desire to retire as a member of the organization that drafted him in 2009, telling Andscape's Marc J. Spears in July that "I've always said I want to be a Warrior for life."

"At this stage in my career, I feel like that's possible," he added.

However, it's evident that Curry may not feel the same if the Warriors aren't able to establish themselves as a playoff contender once again. Golden State couldn't secure a playoff berth last season, falling to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament after winning 46 regular-season games.

Curry also told Spears that he'll "continue to make the decisions that are best for me and for my career."

"I want to win," he said. "Let's put it this way, it's a longwinded way of saying that it if it is a situation where you're a bottom feeder and it's just because you want to stay there, I'd have a hard time with that."

Curry won't be starting next to his longtime partner in the backcourt, Klay Thompson, next season after Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade agreement. The Warriors added Kyle Anderson, De'Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield, although it may not be enough for them to return to their previous status as championship contenders.

Golden State discussed a trade involving Utah Jazz All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen earlier in the offseason, although any hope of a potential deal came to an end after he signed an extension to stay with Utah.

Curry clearly wants to remain on the Warriors after signing a one-year deal, although his plans to retire with the team could change if Golden State is unable to field a contender before his contract is up.