Can Steph Curry Actually Play Into His 40s?

That said, a long road ahead in the regular season stands in the way of Curry and the Warriors. And, especially at his age (37), Curry’s production remains historic despite him getting older.

All this bodes the question: How long can he keep it up?

In a preseason interview, Curry teased being able to play at a high level into his forties. Here’s what NBA history has to say about whether that’s possible, as well as how he might be able to break new barriers for guards in their prime.

Steph Curry’s Consistency

To date, Curry continues to play at an unprecedented level. From 2012-13 to this past season, he is averaging:

• 26.3 PPG
• 4.8 RPG
• 5.4 APG
• 1.5 SPG
• 47% from the field
• 42% from three
• 91% from the free throw line

Arguably, the pure counting stats aren’t even the most impressive number listed above. In that 13-year stretch, Curry averaged over 34 minutes per game and played in almost 850 games. For ten of those 13 seasons, he played 63 games or more; in seven of them, he played 70 or more games.

Curry’s elite shooting ability and general offensive gravity remain impossible at times for defenses to stop.

The Case for a Longer Peak than Usual

Another factor in Curry’s favor is that he doesn’t have to rely on athleticism. Even if his role on offense takes a step back, him just being on the court can provide so much value. The Warriors were over seven points better with Curry on the floor in 2024-25, according to Cleaning the Glass. Since 2011-12 (Curry’s third season in the league) until now, that number has only dropped below seven twice: 2019-20 and 2023-24.

Last year, Curry was in his age-36 season, per Basketball-Reference. Comparing him to just a few of the other star guards in NBA history at that age, here’s how Curry’s most recent full regular season stacks up:

• Curry: 24.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 45/40/93
• Steve Nash: 14.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 11.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 49/40/91
• Jason Kidd: 10.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 9.1 APG, 1.8 SPG, 43/42/81
• John Stockton: 11.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 49/32/81
• Chris Paul: 14.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 10.8 APG, 1.9 SPG, 49/32/84

This season, Curry’s age-37 campaign, will say a lot about what comes next for his career and whether his peak can stay at this level. In the seasons above, those were Kidd’s and Paul’s last ones as All-Stars. Nash and Stockton each had one more All-Star appearance the following year.

Curry remains in the All-NBA conversation, like some of these former stars, and there’s a case he could stay near that level for a couple more years.

Future of the Warriors

Something else to consider with Curry’s longevity is what comes next for the Warriors in the long-term.

Including Curry, Golden State’s core is getting up there in age. Curry’s co-star, Jimmy Butler, is in his age-36 season. Draymond Green is 35. Several other key rotation players (like Al Horford (39), Buddy Hield (33), and Gary Payton (33)) are in their thirties already.

Curry has been on the record before that he wants to be a “Warrior for life.” Unlike most of the great point guards before, he appears to be on track for staying with one team. However, going down this road, Curry’s career will last as long as the Warriors can stay in contention with this current roster.

It’s hard to see Curry sticking around for a longer-term rebuild. Golden State does possess some younger pieces (like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski). There’s clearly a path to maximize the current window of relevancy as well, especially with Curry and Butler. For now, that seems to be the priority.

Contractually, it also makes sense. The next two years are key to see where the Warriors go beyond 2025-26. Both Green and Horford have player options after this season. Curry and Butler will be on the last years of their deal, per Spotrac.

As long as Curry continues to play at or around his current level, the Warriors appear on track to be heard from during the playoffs. For now, that’s the only certainty.