With news that Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry signed a two-year $116 million extension, attention now turns to their next move. Golden State hasn't done much this summer to improve their roster.
In fact, I'd argue that they have done very little and appear to be one of the worst teams in the Western Conference. However, Curry took far less than the max, giving them up to $60 million and cap space next summer.
In doing so, they could potentially lure a star free agent to the Bay Area thanks to Curry.
Warriors' Steph Curry's extension could help them land him a co-star
The most obvious star target would be Denver Nuggets three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. He is set to enter free agency next summer, and Golden State could potentially pitch him on the idea of teaming up with Curry.
Of course, Denver looks to be far better positioned for the playoffs in the near future than the Warriors. Yet Curry signing for less than the max suggests that he is confident that they can make big moves to build a contender around him.
Whether they can is a big question mark. They have one of the oldest rosters in the NBA and are desperately short on young prospects. Golden State is also injury-prone. As a result, they aren't some dark horse team in a loaded conference.
More likely, they will miss the playoffs all together, potentially end up with a lottery pick, and hope that Curry and the prospect of playing in California could lure a star free agent.
The Warriors don't have any other options to build around Curry
Given that Golden State couldn't trade for a star this past summer, color me skeptical. Still, given their options, it might not be the worst idea to build this route.
They probably aren't going to be able to build through the draft during the waning years of the Curry era. Thus, taking this approach may actually be the quickest option. Of course, free agency isn't what it once was.
Just recently, Kawhi Leonard signed an extension, taking him out of the Warriors' free agency plans. That primarily leaves Jokic, and he would be a massive get. Having Curry take less leaves the opportunity open for Golden State to land him, even if it's a long shot.
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