The majority of the 2024 NBA offseason is behind us. The draft came and went, the free agency frenzy resulted in every unemployed big-name player finding a home, and trades—or lack thereof—shuffled rosters. There isn’t much to do except wait for the season to start, which for the Golden State Warriors will be on October 23.
However, general managers continue to work. We know Mike Dunleavy Jr. is on the phone every day, pursuing trades that could bring a second star to the Bay Area… or perhaps provide a minor upgrade anywhere on the team. Furthermore, Dunleavy and his colleagues are considering extensions.
The deadline for extension-eligible players to sign extensions with their teams is October 21—the day before the season begins. The Dubs will be speaking with three notable players: Steph Curry, who can add one year at $62.6 million to the end of his current contract (which runs through the 2025-26 season), and Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, who are eligible for maximum rookie extensions of five years and roughly $225 million (the actual figure will vary depending on the cap).
If the Warriors do not extend any of those players by October 21, they will have to postpone negotiations until next offseason. Curry will be in the final year of his contract, while Kuminga and Moody will be restricted free agents.
So, how likely is an extended deal between each player? Let’s break them down one by one.
Steph Curry
Curry’s extension option is at least straightforward because the Warriors will not have to consider it, and no talks will take place. Kuminga and Moody will not receive maximum extensions, so even if they agree to deals, there will be some back-and-forth between Dunleavy and Co. and the players’ management until a number is determined.
That is not the case for Curry. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, “If Curry wants to add that extra year anywhere up to that $62.6 million cap, the Warriors would be willing.” It is a position they have held both privately and publicly.
It’s only a matter of Curry’s willingness to commit to that season. What is the benefit for him? Increased security. What’s the downside? It eliminates the ability to quit the organization in search of greater pastures, and he may be concerned that it conveys the message that he is OK with the franchise’s trajectory, rather than putting pressure on them to improve the squad around him.
Slater also said that the two sides will not speak anytime soon, as Curry wants to take a long hiatus from basketball as he recovers from the 2024 Olympics and prepares for his 16th NBA season. They’ll most likely resume talks once camp begins, and it appears that Curry wants to stay with the only team he’s ever known.
The verdict is: More likely than not.
Jonathan Kuminga
It’s incredible how far Kuminga and the Warriors have progressed in less than a year. Remember, it was only in January that Kuminga revealed that he had lost faith in Steve Kerr and did not believe he could achieve his full potential with the company.
Kuminga now feels like a key member of the Warriors, and many believe he’ll start the season as the team’s second-best player. And he’s still a few months from being 22, so his greatest days are almost certainly ahead of him.
The Warriors obviously want to keep him around, but the situation is tricky. The last time they were in this scenario, they signed Jordan Poole to a big agreement, which quickly became an albatross that they were fortunate to be able to unload.
I’m not sure they’re worried about Kuminga signing for the same fee as Poole. However, non-max rookie extensions are uncommon since players have greater confidence in their ability than teams do. Why should Kuminga accept a contract that reflects the player he is now when he could play the rest of the season, probably grow — potentially even to an All-Star level — and then cash in on the player he will be then?
That’s what makes it difficult. Kuminga is not yet a star, and the Warriors cannot be certain that he will become one. But he’s certainly confident that he will, and he has the right to negotiate as a result, given that he can enter the open market next summer.
Still, he feels like a key member of the team, and it wouldn’t surprise if they go a little above their comfort level to avoid seeing his price rise more in restricted free agency.
The verdict is 50/50, but I honestly don’t know.
Moses Moody
A lot of what I wrote about Kuminga applies to Moody, but at a lower level. The Warriors appreciate him, but do they cherish him as highly as he believes someone else will after another season?
My guess is no. The Warriors like Moody, but they have never committed to providing him consistent minutes, a significant role, or a place at the heart of what they are creating. If they don’t make him a truly decent offer, I anticipate him to want to go free agent and chase, if not a greater salary, at least a bigger role somewhere.
The verdict: unlikely.
