Stephen Curry is one of the greatest players of his generation, winning four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors franchise and creating a name for being the greatest shooter ever. However, the Warriors have been faltering all season, holding a poor 19-24 record with plenty of criticism and rumors heading their way. The Warriors cannot compete with the top teams this season and rank 22nd in defense, signaling many problems.

As Curry approaches 36 years old, he is in the twilight of his career and has to think about his future. While Curry is “Mr. Golden State” and will always be honored as their greatest player ever, he might be willing to request a trade and force his way to a new situation. This won’t come out of anything but frustration with the franchise and the need for a massive rebuild. Here are the four major destinations for Stephen Curry to save his legacy and spend the final seasons of his career with a new team if the superstar decides to force a trade elsewhere. Since the superstar is making $51,915,615 this season and $55,761,217 next season on his current deal, teams looking to acquire Curry have to match this salary.

Miami Heat
Stephen Curry – Miami Heat
Credit: Fadeaway World

The first major destination for Stephen Curry has to be in Miami with the Heat. Curry is a big-market player who belongs in a big market, so Miami is one of the best places for him. The Heat culture is widely recognized as one built on winning, and Curry can go for his fifth championship in South Florida.

Trade Details

Miami Heat Receive: Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors Receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, 2029 First-Round Pick

Stephen Curry is a superstar player and every superstar wants to play in Miami for a multitude of reasons, but let’s stick to the basketball side. A new Big Three, with Curry at the offensive helm, presents a compelling balance where Jimmy Butler (21.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.4 APG) and Bam Adebayo (21.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 4.2 APG) can intensify their focus on defense, creating a formidable two-way force. This dynamic trio could mark a significant upgrade over the one with Tyler Herro, particularly with Curry’s unparalleled offensive prowess making him a valuable addition.

The recent acquisition of Terry Rozier further enhances the Heat’s backcourt, providing a skilled off-the-ball presence to complement Curry’s playmaking abilities. The dual threat of Curry and Rozier not only amplifies the offensive firepower but also adds an extra layer of defensive resilience. Is there a more difficult-to-handle backcourt than this in the East in terms of hustle, movement, and playing the right way?

Moreover, Curry’s seamless integration into the Miami Heat culture is a natural fit. Known for his unselfish play and commitment to winning, Curry embodies the Heat’s ethos of leaving egos aside and playing hard which is the right way to compete in the NBA. His selfless approach aligns perfectly with the Heat’s tradition of prioritizing team success over individual accomplishments. The prospect of a Curry, Butler, and Adebayo-led team in South Beach could mark the resurgence of a Big Three reminiscent of the LeBron James era, propelling the Heat to the forefront of championship contention.

With two NBA Finals appearances in the last four years, the addition of Curry to the Heat roster could be the missing piece needed to secure another title. Seeing Curry wearing red and black could mean he has the best chance to win his fifth championship while the Warriors rebuild around 24-year-old Tyler Herro who is posting 21.6 points per game this season.

New York Knicks
Stephen Curry – New York Knicks
Credit: Fadeaway World

New York is a city that every NBA player would never mind playing in because it provides a lifestyle that caters to millionaires. Great food, an excellent NBA fanbase, and the bright lights never fail to impress an athlete. The Knicks are also becoming a threat in the Eastern Conference, sporting a versatile All-Star big man Julius Randle, and an excellent addition in OG Anunoby.

Trade Details

New York Knicks: Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors Receive: Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick

Another dream destination for Curry, the iconic allure of New York City beckons, and the New York Knicks stand as a rising force in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks, bolstered by a versatile All-Star big man in Julius Randle and the recent acquisition of OG Anunoby, have the potential to become a formidable contender. Adding a player of Curry’s caliber could be the answer the team needs to elevate its status in the league.

While the Knicks recently bolstered their roster with Anunoby, Curry’s arrival would provide a significant upgrade at the point guard position. Although Jalen Brunson has showcased his prowess this season (26.6 PPG, 6.5 APG) and probably should have been an Eastern Conference All-Star starter, Curry brings a transcendent star power that could transform the Knicks into legitimate contenders.

Curry’s championship pedigree, boasting four rings, aligns seamlessly with the Knicks’ aspirations. His unselfish playstyle has the potential to elevate the games of Randle and Anunoby, creating a dynamic trio that could command attention in the Eastern Conference. Under the defensive-minded leadership of Coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks would be poised to strike a balance between tenacious defense and Curry’s offensive brilliance, setting the stage for success on both ends of the court.

The addition of Curry to the Knicks’ roster could be the missing piece that propels them into the upper echelons of the Eastern Conference. As the franchise seeks a superstar presence akin to the days of Carmelo Anthony, Curry’s arrival could be the answer to the Knicks’ quest for prominence in the East as they haven’t made a Finals appearance since 1999.

Los Angeles Lakers
Stephen Curry – Los Angeles Lakers
Credit: Fadeaway World

The idea of Stephen Curry playing with LeBron James has always been an interesting scenario. Curry and James would devastate defenses together and they have brought up that notion in many instances before. With Curry not having to leave California and simply moving cities to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the greatest teams ever can be assembled in the twilight of a superstar’s career.

Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors Receive: Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick

The tantalizing prospect of Stephen Curry teaming up with LeBron James has long been a captivating scenario, one that could redefine the landscape of the NBA. Imagining Curry and James devastating defenses together is not a mere fantasy, as both players have alluded to this partnership on several occasions before. The possibility of Curry donning the Purple and Gold and joining forces with one of the greatest teams ever assembled in the twilight of a superstar’s career would be groundbreaking on many levels.

While the Lakers have constantly been linked to superstar players, this proposed trade marks a potential cornerstone in the LeBron James era. Rather than pursuing other targets like Dejounte Murray or Zach LaVine, acquiring Curry presents an opportunity to forge one of the most formidable Big Threes in NBA history. The offensive synergy between Curry, James, and Anthony Davis will be nothing short of electrifying.

Curry’s unparalleled shooting prowess, combined with James’s playmaking and Davis’s versatile scoring, would create a trifecta that could overwhelm any defense. James (25.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 7.6 APG) and Davis (25.0 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 2.4 BPG) have individually been dominant this season but the Lakers need another star to fix their 14th-ranked offense and unspectacular 24-23 record.

This blockbuster trade not only aligns with the Lakers’ tradition of pursuing star power but also positions them as the undeniable frontrunners in the Western Conference. With the potential Big Three of Curry, James, and Davis, the Lakers would emerge as a force to be reckoned with, virtually guaranteeing a Finals appearance. In a conference where the Nuggets and Clippers may pale in comparison to the sheer firepower of this superstar trio, the Lakers would be on the brink of a championship resurgence as James and Curry each win their fifth NBA championship to catapult their legacies.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Stephen Curry – Cleveland Cavaliers
Credit: Fadeaway World

For those who don’t know, Stephen Curry’s hometown is Akron, Ohio. Curry has been the face of Golden State for so long that we seem to forget that Ohio might have a new savior for the first time since LeBron James. Curry could resurrect Cleveland in the East and find a way to win a championship with the Cavaliers because there is plenty of talent around him if he requests a trade to his hometown.

Trade Details

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors Receive: Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick

The notion of Stephen Curry returning to his hometown of Akron, Ohio, and becoming the savior of the Cleveland Cavaliers would be the most fascinating story in recent memory. While Curry has long been the face of the Golden State Warriors, the prospect of him leading the Cavaliers could mark a new era for Ohio basketball, echoing the impact LeBron James had on the franchise.

In the proposed trade, the Cleveland Cavaliers would acquire Stephen Curry in exchange for Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, and three first-round picks. While parting with young talent like Garland is a significant move, the potential of having Curry at the helm, playing alongside rising stars like Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, is a transformative proposition for the Cavaliers.

Curry’s return to his hometown not only carries sentimental value but also the promise of championship contention. The Cavaliers’ young core, featuring the shot-blocking prowess of Allen, the defensive acumen of Mobley, and the scoring ability of Donovan Mitchell, forms the foundation for a dominant Big Four. Curry’s leadership could not only accelerate the growth of the big men but also potentially secure the future of Mitchell, whose status with the team is uncertain.

With two defensive stalwarts in the frontcourt and two superstar offensive players in Curry and Mitchell, the Cavaliers emerge as major contenders in the Eastern Conference. This potential Big Four would not only challenge perennial powerhouses like the Celtics, Bucks, and 76ers but also elevate the Cavaliers to a status where they are considered legitimate contenders for a Finals appearance. The narrative of Curry winning his fifth championship with his hometown team would undoubtedly be a storybook ending, showcasing the transformative impact a single player can have on a franchise and an entire region.