Stephen Curry has yet to sign a contract extension with the Golden State Warriors in the nearly month since he became eligible, with the two-time MVP's desire to be on a competitive team potentially leading to a pause on any deal until free agency next year.
By the sound of his latest comments on his contract situation, Curry could be prepared to take a sizeable discount but only if the Warriors can use the increased financial flexibility to make a big move.
Stephen Curry's desire to compete could lead to contract sacrifice
Speaking to ESPN's Anthony Slater, Curry directly linked the salary cap situation with his wish to be on a competitive team after Golden State have missed the playoffs in two of the past three years.
"All the different salary cap conditions of whether I sign for the max or less or whatever it is, I want to be on a competitive team," Curry said.
Curry could have simply signed a two-year, $136.7 million extension by now. The further time passes without a deal, the more speculation that will generate as to why and what impact it could have on the franchise in the next 12 months.
It's really not that complicated though. If Curry enters the season without an extension in place, that's an obvious indication that he's headed for free agency where he could wait to see what the Warriors can do with potentially $100 million in cap space.
Should Golden State be able to use that cap space effectively by adding a major piece or two, Curry could be willing to take the LeBron James path of signing a minimum contract. Should the front office fail to add the type of pieces Curry believes will truly improve the team's chances, the 12x All-Star might simply ask for the max extension that's currently on the table.
Stephen Curry silences any potential concern over Warriors future
The idea of Curry entering free agency has to bring some anxiety to fans, particularly if the Warriors were to fail to make the playoffs this season which isn't out of the realms of possibility given their injury concerns.
However, Curry couldn't have been any more emphatic in declaring that he's retiring a Golden State player, easing any potential concern over the 38-year-old considering a future elsewhere to finish his career.
Perhaps that changes if the Warriors were to have a disastrous season, but for now any entry into free agency should be viewed as simply a means to generate a better roster and improve the franchise superstar's hopes of a fifth NBA championship.
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