Stephen Curry Extends Warriors Contract as Salary Cut Sparks Future Speculation

Stephen Curry has extended his contract with the Golden State Warriors for two additional years worth 116 million dollars, but analysts in the United States are already looking at the broader implications of the deal—specifically what it might mean for the future of Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.

The veteran star agreed to roughly 20 million dollars less than the maximum he could have received over the two years of the new deal. According to American journalist Tim Kawakami, this concession could directly impact the possibility of keeping both veterans by his side. "Curry loves playing with Draymond Green," Kawakami wrote, "and it is entirely possible that the sacrifice of about 10 million dollars per season will directly lead to Draymond's return even beyond this season."

An interesting possibility was also raised regarding Butler. Kawakami wrote that "even Jimmy Butler, who has made some major moves to shift between teams, might be convinced to stay even after his contract ends this season—perhaps for less money—in order to keep playing with Curry." Alongside this, he added that a completely opposite scenario exists—that the Warriors could use his contract in a major trade as early as February.

According to The Athletic, the veteran forwards have already expressed a desire to finish their careers with the Warriors, though for that to happen they may need to agree to much lower contracts. "Curry taking less money is Curry believing that Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Joe Lacob have a real plan to use the money to continue this run—or essentially restart it," it was written.