Unknowingly so, Stephen Curry set the Golden State Warriors up with the biggest bargain for a back-to-back MVP in the history of the league.
While former MVPs like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Derrick Rose all boast contracts worth over $20 million per year, the 6-foot-3 All-Star point guard signed a fully-guaranteed four-year, $44 million contract extension in 2013.
As his contract is set to expire at season's end, the Warriors' sharpshooter can reap the benefits of a tentatively new CBA that could net him as much as $207 million over five years, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein.
A designated veteran player provision could reportedly enable an elite group of players to receive up to 35 percent of their team's salary cap. If Curry opts to stay with the Warriors — which is a very likely possibility — he would qualify, given his years of service and two MVP awards.
The new salary cap is not bound to give the Warriors any breaks. Durant is expected to opt out of his one-and-one contract after the season and since he only has one season playing for Golden State, he would not own his Bird Rights and any new contract the team signed him to would count against the cap.
Therefore, the 2014 MVP wouldn't qualify for a second veteran player provision either unlike his teammates Draymond Green and Klay Thompson who are locked up on contracts through at least 2019.
While Curry and Durant are expected to remain with the team, it would make it that much tougher to hold on to valuable assets like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston.
This new provision is believed to be a direct result of Durant leaving a small market team like Oklahoma City for one of the Warriors' caliber, allowing teams to now offer a sweeter pot enticing free agents to remain with the team.
Even if Curry doesn't seek the max compensation for his service, a max contract would imply a whole lot of re-shuffling of the cards and another adjustment period to come for head coach Steve Kerr and the rest of the Warriors' core.
Follow Us
Subscribe