The Golden State Warriors will absolutely try to keep the band together, and they know that the music starts with Stephen Curry. Days after they won their second NBA title in three years, the Warriors are already gearing up for a big summer of trying to keep their best assets on the floor together in order to continue their dominance over the rest of the NBA.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob is adamant that effort starts with Stephen Curry, who is an unrestricted free agent this summer. Though Curry is almost certainly returning to Golden State, how much money he returns for can impact the other roster moves the Warriors are able to make.
Rather than play games with their franchise player, Lacob told Tim Kawakami of the Bay Area News Group that his team is all-in on making sure the star point guard returns to Golden State, and will do “whatever it takes” to make that happen.
“We’re going to do whatever it takes to keep Steph here and happy,” Lacob said. “And I know he wants to be here and we want him here. So, I do not anticipate any issues with him staying.”
Curry can sign a 5-year, $205 million extension this summer, a huge payday for a player that’s come relatively cheap thus far in his career. Curry famously signed a 4-year, $44 million extension after his rookie deal due to concerns about his ankles, and that small deal was a major factor in the Warriors being able to sign Durant last offseason and make this super team happen. With reports out there that Kevin Durant is willing to take less than a max deal to stay in Golden State, Warriors fans can rest easy that the team won’t completely blow up after its second title in three years.
Asked by reporters about free agency, Curry sounded very protective of what the Warriors have built in Golden State.
“What we’ve built here is truly special,” Curry said. “Something you don’t want to see end at all. All the pieces that we have are important to the equation to win a championship.”
Curry did say that he would try to get himself the best contract he could, but he would discuss taking less money if it meant he could keep the team together. Durant himself reaffirmed his belief that staying in Golden State is what’s best for his career. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Durant said he’s eager to find a way to stay with the Warriors.
Kevin Durant said he's thought about the free agency financials for him over last couple days pic.twitter.com/ESwqfmL7Oq
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 14, 2017
“We’ll figure something out,” Durant said. “Like I said, I want to be here, We just won a championship, man. Let’s see if we can do it again.”
Durant said it “feels weird even saying that,” but it’s true. The Warriors have been in championship form over the last three seasons. If they can make the money work, it’s clear they will be title contenders for years to come. Durant will be the first of the two to get his deal done, but Warriors fans shouldn’t panic if Curry’s not on the books immediately. Because of Curry’s Bird rights which will allow the Warriors to go over the cap to sign the two-time MVP, so an agreement might be in place long before paperwork is filed so Golden State can make every move and add on Curry’s contract last.
