Curry in contract extension talks.
When Stephen Curry entered the league as a skinny teenager in 2009, he dreamed of matching his father, Dell, by playing 16 years in the NBA.
That dream is likely to become a reality, and under his terms. With two years left on his contract, Curry, 32, is eligible to sign a $244.5 million contract extension that would take him through the 2024-25 season — which would be his 16th season.
Conversations are ongoing about an extension, which could add up to three years and $155.7 million onto his current contract, but Curry said he’s committed to the Warriors longterm.
“Wearing the same jersey for as long as I can,” Curry said after the first day of training camp Monday,
“that’s a huge goal.”
The Warriors will pay Curry the maximum if he asks for it, but part of the negotiation includes how an extension would impact the Warriors’ ability to assemble a championship-caliber roster while he plays on a contract that would rank among the richest in the NBA and expire when he’s 37 years old.
“We want to be in a situation where we’re competing for championships every single year,” Curry said. “I want to be a part of that and that’s the goal.”
A franchise player giving up money to chase championships is not unprecedented. In fact, for the Warriors, it would be reminiscent of the team they hope to emulate — the Spurs, who because Tim Duncan accepted less than what he could earn on the open market was able to construct Finals teams well into Duncan’s twilight in 2013 and 2014.
As Curry knows, his previous contract helped the Warriors build a dynasty. In 2013, coming off multiple ankle surgeries, Curry agreed to sign a four-year, $44 million contract that offered long-term financial security. Two years later, he was named MVP and was widely regarded as the most underpaid player in the NBA. However, his relatively low salary helped the Warriors surround him with elite talent, including signing Kevin Durant in 2016.
Curry could wait until next year and sign a four-year extension worth up to $215.3 million. Whenever he signs the extension, it will add to an already bloated cap sheet for the Warriors. With up to $148 million owed to Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green, Golden State is poised to be well past the luxury tax threshold for next season.
But this could be Curry’s last chance at another maximum contract, and as LeBron James’ decision to sign a two-year, $85 million extension with the Lakers shows, stars could be inclined to choose guaranteed money as the coronavirus impacts revenue league-wide. Still, Curry hasn’t ruled out signing another contract after his 16th season.
“I have always said I want to play for as long as I can play at the level that I want to be at,” Curry said, “Hopefully, you could be in a position where you end on your own terms.”
CORONA VIRUS DELAYS GREEN, WISEMAN >> As the Warriors aim to construct one of the NBA’s best defenses in this week’s training camp, they could be doing so without two players who figure to be central to that goal in forward Draymond Green and center James Wiseman, both of whom missed the first day of practice after testing positive for the coronavirus, a league source confirmed with the Bay Area News Group.
“It’s not ideal, but nothing is ideal in 2020,” said head coach Steve Kerr.
This is especially true for Wiseman, the second-overall pick in October’s draft who could use as much practice time as possible in order to be a difference-maker for the Warriors this season. Wiseman, 19, has not played in an official basketball game since November of last year, and though he offers spectacular upside, he’s a raw athlete facing a steep learning curve.
In order to return to the court, according to league protocols, a player must selfquarantine for 10 to 12 days after the initial positive test, register two negative tests and be cleared by both a team- and league-designated physician.
The Warriors, who delayed the start of group workouts one day, have preached patience with Wiseman.
It’s unclear if they will participate in this week’s training camp or play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center. An extended absence would hurt Golden State’s ability to put together a playoff-caliber defense.
“It’s unfortunate, but it’s just the way it goes,” Kerr said of Wiseman missing training camp. “Our coaching staff has been showing him tape the last few days. He’s still getting some homework in.”
At 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Wiseman provides rim-protection with his presence alone. But playing a part in a top-10 defense — as is the Warriors’ stated goal — takes more than size and athleticism. In the three college games he played at Memphis before leaving the program due to concerns about his eligibility, Wiseman struggled to recognize opponents’ basic pick-and-roll actions and guard on the perimeter, and often picked up fouls while chasing blocks. Training camp offered a chance for him to work with coaches to clean these things up. Now, he may not get that opportunity before the games begin.
Green’s absence is also likely felt by Golden State’s new-look supporting cast. The former defensive player of the year is a valuable resource for some of the Warriors’ younger players.
Before opening night, the impact of the pandemic is being felt across the league with 48 registered positive tests.