Stephen Curry won't rule out joining Charlotte Hornets next year
It's hard to foresee Stephen Curry, the reigning two-time NBA MVP, play for any other franchise than the Golden State Warriors. However, Curry is an unrestricted free agent next summer and stranger things have happened in the past.
Earlier this week, Curry, during an interview with the Charlotte Observer, didn't rule out the possibility of joining hometown franchise, the Charlotte Hornets, when asked about his impending free agency.
Curry grew up in Charlotte when his father, Dell Curry, played for the Hornets between 1988 and 1998. The Curry family still resides in Charlotte and the Warriors star owns a house in the North Carolina town. Therefore, when asked if he would consider joining the Hornets next year, Curry couldn't provide a straight answer.
"I don't know," Curry said when asked about taking his talents to the Hornets, who are owned by Michael Jordan. Dell Curry still works as a broadcaster for the Hornets.
Stephen Curry due for big pay day
According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the incumbent team is in a position to offer a free agent the most lucrative possible contract. Therefore, it would make financial sense for Curry to stay put in the Bay Area. While the Warriors can sign him to a five-year, max contract worth $US 165 million ($AU $222 million), other teams such as the Hornets can only offer him a four-year deal.
And realistically, nobody expects Curry to leave the Warriors. "Obviously, I love it here in the Bay Area. It's all I've known in the league. And if the situation is right going forward, this is a place I would love to play," said Curry who was drafted No.7 overall by the Warriors during the 2009 NBA Draft.
The Warriors front office will have a busy offseason next year. Kevin Durant, who signed a two-year, max contract with them this summer, is likely to exercise his opt out clause and become a free agent. The Warriors will look to sign both Curry and Durant to five-year max contracts and secure a future dynasty.
Stephen Curry, like retired greats Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan, is likely to play with the Warriors for the rest of his career. But it's not wise to rule out anything just yet.
