Curry responds to playing until 40: I want to have the choice, with four major factors being crucial

On October 18th Beijing time, Curry spoke with NBA reporter Mark Medina about his training regimen. He hopes this plan will help him maintain elite performance through the 2025-26 season, and possibly allow him to play until age 40.

“All I can say is,I want to have the freedom to chooseand only if my body still supports me continuing to play,” Curry stated. “I’m not sure if playing until 40 is realistic, nor if I’ll want to at that time — many possibilities exist. Butbeing able to make the decision myself, rather than having it forced on me by others, is very important to me.”

Curry has ample time to plan ahead. His contract with the Warriors runs through the 2026-27 season, and both sides have repeatedly expressed that “Curry spending his entire NBA career with the Warriors” remains a top priority.

In the short term, Curry will have a clear understanding of his condition by the 2025-26 season: whether he can sustain All-Star level play and maintain his health. The Warriors are seen as a dark horse contender for the championship, largely thanks to Curry. However, other factors may extend or shorten their window to compete for titles.

The Warriors still have a lifelong franchise defender in Draymond Green; a proven All-Star in Butler, who joined after last season’s trade deadline and quickly made an impact; a valuable veteran in Horford, known for his locker room leadership and winning habits; plus shooter Seth Curry, Stephen’s younger brother. Additionally, the team expects fifth-year forward Kuminga and third-year guard Poole to take on bigger roles.

“There’s only so much we can control, but we know what it takes to get through an 82-game season,” Curry said. “We have young players who can help share the load. Hopefully, we can find a good balance between veteran experience and youthful energy. But I know that Jimmy, Draymond, and I all understand how crucial recovery and behind-the-scenes work are for winning. Health is a vital part of a championship run — every team that goes all the way depends on it. So all we can do is hope everything goes smoothly.”

Last season, Curry delivered strong numbers over 70 regular-season games: averaging 24.5 points, shooting 44.8% from the field, 39.7% from beyond the arc, and dishing out 6.0 assists per game. After acquiring Butler from Miami at the trade deadline, the Warriors made the playoffs as the seventh seed via the play-in tournament. In games where Curry and Butler played together, the Warriors posted a 27-8 record — a performance that raises hopes for a full season collaboration.

Although Curry averaged 22.6 points, shot 47.7% overall, 40% from three, and provided 5.1 assists in five playoff games, he still felt the toll of time. In the first-round seven-game series against the Rockets, he battled through intense defense; however, in the opening game of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Timberwolves, Curry scored 13 points in 13 minutes before leaving with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain with 8:19 left in the second quarter, missing the remaining four playoff games for the Warriors.

Curry’s trainer Payne recently revealed that during the offseason, Curry dedicated significant time to strength training and improving his decision-making speed — aiming to maximize his health, counteract potential athletic decline early, and better contribute off the ball when Butler handles playmaking duties.

How to extend a career longer? Curry mentioned four key factors —

“First, rest is essential. Sleep is the simplest and most important answer. Honestly, maintaining mental health is also critical, keeping the right mindset — especially nowadays, with so much noise and distractions both in-season and off-season. When I’m on the court, it doesn’t mean I need to spend extra time, but every minute must have a clear purpose and intention. Sothe key is: sleep, controlled breathing, focused training, and stepping away from basketball when necessary.”