​Stephen Curry is entering his 18th NBA season with important contract decisions ahead. Injuries limited him to 43 games last season, but he still averaged 26.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Those numbers show that he remained productive when healthy. The Golden State Warriors must now balance Curry’s current value with the roster choices that will shape its future.Stephen Curry Has Ball in His CourtThe contract talks have reached an important point. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Golden State has offered Curry several options, giving him control over what happens next.Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) smiles on the court after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images“The ball, according to one Warriors source to me this week, is totally in Stephen Curry’s court,” Charania said. He added that the options include one-year deals, two-year deals, maximum offers, smaller contracts and player-option structures.“According to one Warriors source … [the ball] is totally in Stephen Curry’s court.”—@ShamsCharania on a potential Stephen Curry extension and what it could mean for the Warriors’ future pic.twitter.com/3d4g9wYTae— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 23, 2026Curry can also wait before making a decision. Charania reported that he could delay the choice until the season or next offseason, when the Warriors may have about $100 million in cap space. That would give Golden State more room to shape the roster before making another major commitment.Curry is eligible for a two-year extension worth up to $136.7 million under the NBA’s over-38 rule. He has made it clear that he plans to stay with Golden State. The main questions are about timing, money and flexibility, not whether he will join another team.Both Stephen Curry and Warriors Can WinCurry has the advantage because he can choose from several options. A maximum contract would protect his earnings, while a shorter deal or player option could give him more control later. Waiting may also help if a better deal becomes available.Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first half in the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesGolden State can benefit from several outcomes. A full contract would keep its biggest star in place, while a smaller deal would leave more money to add talent around him. Waiting could give the front office more time and flexibility to plan the roster’s future.That makes the “winner and loser” question difficult to answer. Curry could give up money by accepting less, while the Warriors could lose flexibility by paying the full maximum. The right deal could help both sides, especially since Charania reported that Curr