Stephen Curry’s Loyalty to Warriors Faces Challenges Amidst Team Changes

In an interview with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Stephen Curry expressed his desire to end his career with the Warriors, while also acknowledging scenarios that might prompt him to consider leaving. Responding to a question about emulating Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki’s loyalty to one franchise despite playing for average teams late in their careers, Curry shared his thoughts.

“It’s tough, right? I’ve always said I want to be a Warrior for life,” Curry said. “At this stage in my career, I feel like that’s possible. And you can still be competitive. It doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a championship. Winning is always a priority, but you have to be realistic. You need to adapt and evolve with the league and the talented teams in it.”

Curry emphasized taking his career one step at a time, focusing on maintaining his happiness and making the best decisions for himself and his career. “I want to win,” Curry stated. “If it comes to a point where you’re just staying to avoid leaving while being a bottom feeder, I’d have a hard time with that. But I don’t think that’s going to be the reality.”

Golden State, only two years removed from a championship, was eliminated in the play-in tournament last season. Significant changes are happening within the roster, including the recent trade of Klay Thompson to Dallas, which has disrupted the core group that secured four titles over the past decade.

Curry admitted it still feels “weird” to envision the Warriors without Thompson, and anticipates the full impact of his absence to be felt at the start of training camp.

“All things have to come to an end at some point. I wish it would’ve turned out differently,” Curry said. “I wish we could have finished our careers as Warriors together. [Thompson] made a decision he felt was best for himself. What we achieved together was special and speaks to how hard it is to maintain that. I choose to celebrate our accomplishments and experiences instead of feeling resentment.”

This summer, the Warriors have revamped their roster, adding De’Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson, and Buddy Hield, following Thompson’s departure. Curry also mentioned the increased responsibilities for young players like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis in order for the Warriors to remain title contenders.

“You have to make the necessary adjustments and evolve our play to maximize our team,” Curry added. “I have an optimistic attitude that it’s going to work and that we will be competitive, be in the mix until proven otherwise. That’s the only way I can think right now.”