The majority of the 2024 NBA offseason has concluded. The draft has taken place, free agency has seen all major players find new teams, and trades have altered rosters. Now, fans are mostly left waiting for the season to kick off, which for the Golden State Warriors starts on October 23.
However, general managers remain active. Mike Dunleavy Jr. is reportedly busy on the phone, seeking trades that could bring a second star to the Warriors or at least enhance the roster in some way. Alongside these efforts, Dunleavy and his team are focusing on contract extensions.
October 21 is the deadline for players eligible for extensions to sign new deals with their teams. The Warriors have three key players in this situation: Steph Curry, who can add one year and $62.6 million to his current contract (which runs through the 2025-26 season), and Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, who are both eligible for maximum rookie extensions of five years, totaling approximately $225 million (the actual amount will depend on the salary cap).
If the Warriors do not finalize extensions for these players by October 21, discussions will have to wait until next offseason. At that point, Curry will be nearing the end of his contract, while Kuminga and Moody will become restricted free agents.
So, how likely are extensions for each player? Let’s analyze them individually.
Steph Curry
Curry’s extension is straightforward, as there won’t be any negotiations involved. Unlike Kuminga and Moody, who may not receive maximum extensions, discussions with Curry are simpler. According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, “If Curry wants to tack on that extra year anywhere up to that max of $62.6 million, the Warriors would be willing.” The decision hinges on whether Curry wants to commit to that additional year. The advantage for him would be increased security, while the downside could be the loss of flexibility to explore other opportunities, potentially signaling satisfaction with the team’s direction.
Slater also noted that talks won’t happen immediately, as Curry intends to take a break from basketball after the 2024 Olympics and prepare for his 16th NBA season. Conversations are likely to resume when training camp starts, but it appears Curry is inclined to remain with the only team he has ever played for.
Jonathan Kuminga
Kuminga’s relationship with the Warriors has evolved significantly in under a year. In January, he reportedly lost confidence in coach Steve Kerr and doubted his ability to reach his potential with the team. Now, he is viewed as a core player, and many consider him the team’s second-best player entering the season, with his 22nd birthday approaching.
The Warriors want to keep Kuminga, but the situation is complex. They previously signed Jordan Poole to a substantial extension, which later became burdensome. While they may not be overly concerned about a similar outcome with Kuminga, non-max rookie extensions are uncommon because players often believe in their potential more than teams do. Kuminga might prefer to wait and see if he can improve further before negotiating, as he could secure a better deal next summer if he performs well.
Thus, while Kuminga feels integral to the team, it’s uncertain whether the Warriors will offer enough to prevent him from testing the waters in restricted free agency.
Moses Moody
Much of the analysis for Kuminga applies to Moody, albeit to a lesser degree. The Warriors value Moody, but they may not see him as highly as he believes other teams will after another season.
The Warriors have not consistently given Moody significant playing time or a prominent role in their plans. If they do not present him with a compelling offer, he might choose to enter free agency in search of either a larger contract or a more substantial role elsewhere.
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