Just a mere eight years ago, Steph Curry signed what was possibly the biggest steal in basketball history.
Prior to the 2012-2013 season, he secured a four-year, $44 million contract with the Golden State Warriors.
Three championships, two regular-season MVPs, and one large extension later, the 32-year-old guard is ready to get paid again.
Steph Curry acknowledged that conversations about an extension are "on the table." As @BobbyMarks42 notes: The numbers would be gigantic. A 3 year extension would be $156 million and start in 22-23. Warriors have until 12/21 to get deal done before season https://t.co/BAt9Zkqs5e
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) December 8, 2020
Though he has two years left on his remaining contract, Curry is negotiating for an extension that will make him a Warrior until 2026.
The two sides have until December 21st to decide on whether they want to move forward with this deal or push back until the offseason.
Warrior For Life
At a virtual media session last Monday, Curry admitted to the ongoing discussions of re-signing with the Warriors.
Stephen Curry talks contract extension and the possibility of playing longer than his fatherhttps://t.co/lNFDE9hIjj pic.twitter.com/nzcDZIppDR
— Marcus Thompson (@ThompsonScribe) December 8, 2020
“Everything’s on the table right now,” Curry said. “Everything I’ve talked about being a Warrior and what the future holds. Obviously [I’m] fully committed on what that is… it’s a matter of just letting things play out the way they should and that’s kind of where we’re at right now.”
He also expressed the desire to retire as one of the few legends to stay with a single team their entire career.
“Wearing the same jersey for as long as I can… that’s a huge goal,” he said. “It’s an elite club of guys that you look at that have played with the same organization and been successful and achieved greatness in that respect. So that would be an awesome accomplishment.”
If the Warriors wished to offer him a three-year supermax, it would begin in the 2022-23 season.
In this particular scenario, Curry would be eligible to receive $48 million in the first year, $51.9 million in the second year, and $55.7 million in the final year.
While he may no longer be operating at an elite level by his age 37 season, the Warriors seem willing to do whatever is necessary to keep him around.
“Sources within the organization said they don’t see a scenario in which the Warriors decline Curry’s request for an extension, whenever it comes, even though he could demand an astronomical number at the back end of his career,” Marcus Thompson of The Athletic reported.
With their deep pockets and aggressive mentality, there is reason to believe that the Warriors will be able to retain Curry’s services.
Whether it happens within the coming weeks or down the road remains to be seen.
Warriors’ Financial Predicament
Curry is currently playing on a five-year, $201 million contract that he signed back in 2017.
He is set to be paid $43 million for this upcoming season and $45.78 million for the 2021-22 season.
However, the Warriors are also on the books for several other hefty contracts.
Klay Thompson, who is going to miss the season with a torn Achilles, has four years and $157 million left on his deal.
Draymond Green’s four-year, $100 million contract kicks in starting this season.
Even newcomer Andrew Wiggins is due for $95 million over the next three years.
While the Warriors’ front office has always shown a willingness to open up the checkbook, they are financially strapped for the next few years.
As their championship core continues to age, it will be interesting to see how they will infuse talent into their lineup to fuel their championship aspirations.
