JUST IN: No. 1 American Player Stephen Curry Signs $90.1 Million Contract with Cleveland Cavaliers in Bombshell Decision Over Los Angeles Lakers
In what is being hailed as one of the most shocking moves in NBA history, Stephen Curry — widely regarded as the No. 1 American basketball player — has officially signed a $90.1 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, turning down a highly publicized offer from the Los Angeles Lakers.
The deal, finalized early Monday morning, will see Curry don the wine and gold jersey for the next three seasons, signaling a bold new chapter in the superstar’s storied career. Sources close to the situation say the Cavaliers presented an “ambitious vision” that resonated with Curry, who reportedly craved a fresh challenge after over a decade with the Golden State Warriors.
A Stunning Rejection of the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers had been frontrunners in the Curry sweepstakes for weeks, with reports of LeBron James personally recruiting his long-time rival and Olympic teammate. NBA insiders were nearly unanimous in predicting Curry would head to Los Angeles, with some calling it “a done deal” as recently as last Friday.
Instead, Curry shocked the basketball world by flying to Cleveland over the weekend and finalizing the terms of a massive three-year, $90.1 million deal — including performance bonuses and a no-trade clause.
“Sometimes, greatness demands a leap of faith,” Curry said at his introductory press conference at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. “I’ve had an incredible journey in the NBA so far, but Cleveland offered me a vision I couldn’t ignore — a chance to build, to lead, and to surprise the world again.”
Cleveland’s Rebuild Just Got Real
With young stars like Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen already anchoring a promising roster, the addition of Curry immediately catapults the Cavaliers into Eastern Conference contention. Team President Koby Altman described the acquisition as “a historic turning point.”
“This isn’t just a signing. It’s a cultural shift,” Altman said. “Steph brings championship DNA, unmatched leadership, and a level of basketball intelligence that will elevate every player on our roster.”
Why Cleveland?
While the Lakers’ offer was lucrative and offered a path to another potential title alongside LeBron, Curry reportedly felt more drawn to the underdog narrative and long-term legacy he could create in Cleveland.
According to NBA analyst Adrian Wojnarowski, “Curry wanted to go somewhere he could make a definitive impact — not just win, but transform. The Cavaliers gave him the keys to be more than just a player. They gave him a canvas.”
Several sources say Curry was also impressed by the Cavs’ commitment to player development, as well as their plans to overhaul the team’s offensive structure around his strengths.
What This Means for the League
The move not only shakes up the Eastern Conference landscape but also sends ripple effects across the entire NBA. With the Lakers now scrambling to recover from the snub, and the Warriors facing life without their iconic star, the 2025–2026 season is suddenly wide open.
“This is seismic,” said NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley. “Steph going to Cleveland? That’s like Jordan finishing his career in Minnesota. It changes everything.”
Curry’s first game as a Cavalier is expected to be a nationally televised season opener — potentially against the Lakers in what could be one of the most-watched regular season games in recent history.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Stephen Curry’s bombshell move to Cleveland is not just a new chapter — it’s
the start of a whole new NBA story.
