LeBron James is set to end his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers, his fourth professional team, after playing for the Cavs, Heat and Lakers. Kevin Durant, meanwhile, is on his fifth different team, playing for Houston after previously starring for Phoenix, Brooklyn, Golden State and Oklahoma City.
Steph Curry, meanwhile, remains a Golden State Warriors guard. The Warriors are the only team that Curry has known over the course of his 17-year NBA career. But, as Curry approaches season No. 18, could he be interested in finding a new home?
There's been growing trade speculation surrounding Curry and the Warriors. The Warriors missed out on LeBron James this summer, after being linked heavily to the four-time NBA champion. The Warriors will return Curry, Draymond Green and an injured Jimmy Butler.
Is that enough to compete in the Western Conference?
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images.
Probably not.
So, in the wake of the Warriors struggling to put a championship-level team around Curry, could he force a trade out?
One NBA insider believes it's possible.
NBA insider thinks Curry could force his way out
According to Nick Friedell of The Athletic, Curry's loyalty toward Golden State could change if frustrations reach a breaking point.
“Now, a few months later, with little improvement to the roster, the league wonders whether Curry’s mindset will change. Speculation continues from both fans and the media that Curry may become so frustrated that he eventually asks out during the final year or two of his career,” Friedell writes.
“But that’s still hard to envision given that he has been so consistent in both his messaging about wanting to stay with the Warriors and in expressing his love for the Bay Area.”
Curry, 38, is still a great player.
However, can he be great in Golden State, or does he need to go somewhere else to really compete for a championship?
