The Unthinkable: Curry to Denver?
Look, I've heard a lot of wild whispers in my fifteen years on this beat, but the chatter around Stephen Curry potentially landing in Denver? That one takes the cake. It’s the kind of pipe dream that keeps agents up at night, imagining commission checks. But as ludicrous as it sounds, the NBA trade machine spits out some truly bizarre scenarios, and sometimes, those scenarios gain traction.
Let's be real: Curry is a Golden State Warrior. He's got four rings, two MVP awards, and a statue waiting for him outside Chase Center. His current contract, a four-year, $215 million extension signed in 2021, runs through the 2025-26 season. That's a lot of money and a lot of commitment. For the Warriors to even consider moving him, things would have to go catastrophically wrong, like, bottom-of-the-West wrong, for multiple seasons.
And yet, Denver, fresh off a championship, is always looking for ways to improve. Their core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. is formidable. Adding a player of Curry's caliber, even at 36, would be a seismic shift. The Nuggets already have a top-tier offense, averaging 114.9 points per game last season, third in the league. Imagine Jokic’s passing vision combined with Curry’s off-ball movement and limitless range. It's a terrifying thought for the rest of the league.
Tactical Fit: A Splash with the Joker
Here's the thing: tactically, it's almost too perfect. You've got Nikola Jokic, arguably the greatest passing big man in history, operating from the high post or low block. He draws double teams, sees the whole floor. Now, picture Curry, running off screens, pulling defenders 30 feet from the basket. The space that would open up for Murray to drive, for Porter Jr. to get cleaner looks, would be astronomical. The Nuggets were already elite at creating open shots; with Curry, they'd be playing a different sport.
Curry's gravity is unparalleled. Opponents often have to commit two defenders to him even when he doesn't have the ball. That leaves a four-on-three advantage for the Nuggets, and with Jokic making the reads, it's almost guaranteed points. Denver's offensive rating of 118.0 last season was second only to Sacramento. Adding Curry could push them into historic territory. He hit 4.8 threes per game last season, shooting 40.8% from deep.
Defensively, it's a tougher sell. Curry isn't a stopper, and Denver's perimeter defense, while solid, isn't elite. They ranked 15th in defensive rating last year at 113.5. But the sheer offensive firepower might just paper over those cracks. You score 130 points a night, who cares if the other team gets 115? This would be an all-in move, prioritizing offense above all else.
The Financial Minefield
Real talk: the money is the biggest hurdle. Curry is due $55.7 million next season, then $59.6 million, and $63.6 million. That's a massive salary to absorb. The Nuggets already have significant money tied up in Jokic ($47.6M), Murray ($36M), and Porter Jr. ($35.8M) for next season. To match Curry's salary, Denver would have to send out a king's ransom in players. We're talking multiple starters, key rotation pieces, and probably a boatload of draft picks. A package centered around, say, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon, plus additional salary fillers like Christian Braun or Peyton Watson, and several first-round picks, might get the Warriors to pick up the phone.
Think about the Lakers acquiring Anthony Davis in 2019. They sent out Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks, including a pick swap. That was for a younger, prime Davis. Curry is an all-time great, but he's also 36. The Warriors would need to feel like they're getting enough back to kickstart a serious rebuild, not just a few middling assets.
For the Warriors, moving Curry would signal the end of an era. It would be a bitter pill to swallow for ownership and the fanbase. But if they're staring at a roster that's consistently missing the playoffs, and Curry's contract is eating up so much cap space, they might be forced to consider the unthinkable. It would free up significant cap flexibility for future moves, and give them a chance to build around younger talent. The emotional cost, though, would be immeasurable.
Impact on Both Sides
If this trade somehow materialized, the Nuggets would instantly become the overwhelming favorite for the next few championships. Their offense would be unstoppable. They'd have two of the league's most unique and dominant offensive forces in Jokic and Curry. It would be a short-term, win-now move of epic proportions, sacrificing future assets for immediate glory. Given Jokic is in his prime at 29, that window is wide open.
For the Warriors, it would be a hard reset. They'd transition from a dynasty to a rebuilding team overnight. The assets acquired would dictate the speed of that rebuild. If they got quality young players and multiple unprotected firsts, they could be competitive again in a few years. If not, they'd be in for a long slog. It's a move that would define the franchise for the next decade, one way or another. My honest take? As much as I love the tactical fit, the Warriors would rather let Curry retire in Golden State than trade him, unless he explicitly requested it. And even then, it would be a tough sell.
The Improbable Scenario
This kind of move only happens when a franchise is truly desperate, or a star forces his way out. The Warriors aren't desperate yet, and Curry has shown no indication of wanting to leave. But the NBA is a league of constant movement, and even the most sacred cows can find themselves on the trade block. It’s a fun hypothetical, a fantasy for Denver fans. But don't hold your breath. I'd bet my last dollar Curry finishes his career in a Warriors jersey.
Bold Prediction: Stephen Curry will sign another extension with the Warriors before the 2025-26 season, solidifying his status as a lifetime Golden State player and ensuring he retires in blue and gold.