Stephen Curry-Celtics rumors, explained: Why Boston fans are convinced Brad Stevens is trading for Warriors star
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Stephen Curry-Celtics rumors, explained: Why Boston fans are convinced Brad Stevens is trading for Warriors star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The NBA trade machine has stopped churning after Giannis Antetokounmpo, LaMelo Ball, Jaylen Brown and more were dealt this offseason — or has it?
Celtics fans, largely disappointed with the front office's moves as so many other Eastern Conference teams improved, are holding out hope that Stephen Curry could be on his way to Boston in what would be a league-altering trade.
At this time, though, those hopes might just be hopes and nothing more.
Here's what you need to know about the rumors connecting Curry to the Celtics.
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Stephen Curry Celtics rumors
Rumors tying Curry to the Celtics started when Celtics on SI beat reporter John Karalis wrote a story suggesting the Celtics could make a play for Curry if he became available.
The story took on a life of its own, and Karalis had to clarify his thoughts in a tweet on Sunday, making it clear that he "did not report that the Celtics made an offer" for Curry.
I did not report that the Celtics made an offer to the Warriors
— John Karalis 🇬🇷 (@John_Karalis) August 2, 2026
I wrote a column that said IF the Warriors were open to a Steph trade that Brad WOULD call.
I thought it was pretty clear that the whole piece was my opinion
The origin of the rumor was a simple suggestion that the Celtics would be interested if Curry became available, but there is no indication that the Warriors are open to trading their star.
So, why did Karalis write about Curry at all? The San Francisco Standard's Tim Kawakami, a longtime reporter in the Bay Area, said on a podcast appearance that he believes Warriors owner Joe Lacob is now looking to build the Warriors' roster for the post-Curry era, which sparked a wave of speculation about the two-time MVP's future with Golden State.
Whether that is or isn't true, there is no indication the Warriors are looking to actually move on from Curry.
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Is Stephen Curry going to the Celtics?
This NBA offseason has had its share of surprises, but a Curry trade in any form would be the biggest. No credible reports have indicated the Warriors are looking to trade the face of their franchise.
Golden State is facing an obvious ceiling next season after missing out on LeBron James, as even a healthy midseason return from Jimmy Butler would leave the team with an aging core, but the band looks like it will be staying together for at least one more season after coach Steve Kerr opted to return and Draymond Green re-signed on a one-year deal.
Stephen Curry contract
If Curry does want a fresh start, he can get one without any help next summer. The four-time NBA champion will make $62.6 million this season before hitting free agency next year.
Free agency would be uncharted territory for Curry, who has continually signed extensions with the Warriors to stave off any rumors about his future, but he could follow James' path and make a difficult decision that best positions himself for winning if he wishes.