What happened: Stephen Curry is entering his 18th NBA season less than a week after agreeing to a two-year, $116 million extension. The contract keeps him in place through 2028-29 and includes a player option on the final year.

Why it matters: That deal settled the biggest near-term question around Curry's long-stated desire to finish his career in one place. It also frames the upcoming season around how much he can still drive at this stage of his career rather than around contract uncertainty.

What to watch: The next marker is Curry's preseason ramp-up and how his role looks entering the 2026-27 campaign.