Stephen Curry has built a reputation as one of the most unselfish superstars in sports history, and that could now be elevated even further with a hidden reason behind a potential contract extension with the Golden State Warriors.
Curry is yet to sign despite being extension-eligible for nearly two weeks, but Warriors insider Marcus Thompson still believes the two-time MVP agrees to a new deal before training camp because of the impact it could have on his teammates if he doesn't.
Stephen Curry could sign to hide teammates from unwanted speculation
Perception is everything in this situation, and is only heightened when we're talking about the greatest player in franchise history. Curry has declared his desire to remain with Golden State for the remainder of his career, but there will be a lingering question mark that only grows louder with each week that passes without an extension.
It's not a distraction at this stage because we're still in the offseason, yet will quite clearly become the biggest talking point if the Warriors arrive at training camp and Curry has yet to sign a contract that could give him up to $136.7 million over two years.
According to Thompson, Curry's desire to hide his teammates from the potentially unwanted distraction of his contract situation could be a key reason as to why the 38-year-old signs in the coming weeks.
“I think he might see what it would do to his teammates. And this margin of error is so thin to stay alive for Jimmy Butler to return. Right? You got to stay alive for Jimmy Butler to return. And I think he signs because of that," Thompson said.
Fans may understand Stephen Curry taking the selfish path
Curry has always done what's best for the team, which is why they've generated four championships and so much success through the course of his career. However, with his career winding down and the front office clearly not doing enough to prioritize his final years, many fans would understand Curry taking a more selfish approach at this juncture.
By not signing a contract, Curry could signal he's not fully content with the state of the roster and put some pressure on the front office to make a big move or two. Even if that makes for some uncomfortable questions for his teammates in interviews prior to and potentially even during the season, that might just be the price to pay in order to change the trajectory of the team.
At the same time, Thompson is right. The Warriors need everything to go right to keep their head above water while Butler is out, and that starts with gaining Curry's signature and removing his contract situation as a potential distraction entering the season.
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