What's Next for Stephen Curry?: Why a Celtics Trade Is More Plausible Than You Think

In the 2022 NBA season, Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to their seventh championship in 8 years, cementing his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. However, since winning the title, the Warriors have struggled to replicate their success, finishing the 2022-23 season with a 37-45 record, good for 10th place in the Western Conference. With Curry still playing at an All-NBA level, it raises questions about his future with the team.

With LeBron James' return to the Los Angeles Lakers no longer an option for Curry, the Warriors are poised to run it back with the same roster that just finished the season. This leaves Curry with limited options and a sense of stagnation, which could be a factor in his decision to leave the Warriors. As Marcus Thompson of The Athletic noted, 'For the first time in his career, Curry and the Warriors' front office may not be on the same page.'

Thompson further explained that Curry still wants to win and, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, he could be using free agency as leverage. 'He's sick of the star-chasing that has come up empty again and again,' Thompson said. With Butler and Moses Moody on the shelf with major injuries, Curry will be relied upon to carry an offense for a team that likely has zero shot at doing much better than a play-in appearance. It's a tough situation for Curry, who deserves better than a losing roster.

The Boston Celtics present an attractive option for Curry, with a soon-to-be expiring Paul George contract available to make up part of the trade. This would leave the Warriors with cap space to retain other key players and build around Curry in his final contract year. If the Warriors aren't willing to go all-in for one last run with Curry, they owe it to him to trade him somewhere where he can win.

Boston has been building a strong team around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and Curry would be a perfect fit at point guard in Joe Mazzulla's offense. The Celtics have a strong supporting cast, including Payton Pritchard, who excelled off the bench last season. Curry would thrive in Boston, particularly playing alongside great screeners, like Al Horford and Grant Williams. He'd also benefit from the Celtics' defensive prowess, which would help him stay fresh and avoid the heavy defensive burden that comes with playing on a losing team.

While it's uncertain if the Celtics would be interested in making a move for Curry, this trade makes sense on paper. The Warriors, having made significant mistakes with their draft picks and player development, might want to trade Curry while they still can, considering his age and the team's lack of depth. On the other hand, the Boston Celtics could be setting themselves up for a championship win by acquiring Curry, who has repeatedly proven himself to be one of the most clutch shooters in the game.

When the Celtics made the Jaylen Brown trade, this move is the kind of strategic maneuver they could be setting themselves up for down the road. If the possibility becomes reality, it would make sense for both sides, as the Celtics would get a key player to complete their core, and Curry would get a chance to win one more title.