The Golden State Warriors won the NBA Championship last month, but they have already taken the right steps to assure an even brighter future. The Warriors team is a well-oiled machine, but it cannot function on its own. An elite team is usually synonymous with an elite front office. Stephen Curry was drafted 7th overall, Klay Thompson 11th, and Draymond Green 35th. Obviously, there was a pinch of luck, for no one could foresee the kind of careers these three phenoms would end up having. However, what counts most is that general manager Bob Myers and ownership bet on these players.
Convincing NBA MVP Kevin Durant to join the Warriors was another home-run by Warriors' management. Getting Durant was the icing on an already delicious cake. The latest accomplishment, and probably the hardest one, has been to keep the Warriors' core together. Curry, Durant, Andre Iguodala, and Shaun Livingston have re-signed so far.
Iguodala and Livingston re-sign
Andre Iguodala was drawing interest from several teams in this off-season. The most notable teams were the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. Iguodala could have earned more elsewhere but the Warriors were ultimately able to re-sign Iguodala for three more years and $48 million. Keeping Iguodala was crucial. His leadership, defense, and passing ability are invaluable to the Warriors.
Shaun Livingston has been a valuable player off the bench for the Warriors during these years of dominance. The Warriors and Livingston were able to agree upon a new deal of three years and $24 million.
The Warriors will have to address the contracts of Klay Thompson and Draymond Green within the next two years, so it seems like the Warriors' nucleus will stay intact at least for a couple more seasons.
Curry becomes the highest paid player in NBA history
On a more important front, the Warriors had to tackle Curry and Durant's future. The two were free agents this summer, but it was clear that they would re-sign and chase a second consecutive NBA title together. However, it is crucial to keep your stars happy while also not compromising the balance of your team.
Stephen Curry was being underpaid by the Warriors up to this summer. His previous contract of four years and $44 million clearly did not reflect his value on the court these past three seasons. A San Francisco Chronicle reporter stated that the Warriors' value had increased "more than 450% in seven years, from $450 million in 2010 to $2.6 billion this year." The Warriors have now done justice and given Curry the biggest contract in NBA history. Curry will earn roughly $201 million over five years. which makes an average of $40 million per year. Curry has deserved his money, but, if you ask LeBron James, he deserved even more. Here is what LeBron tweeted in response to news of Curry's new contract: "Steph should be getting 400M this summer 5yrs."
Durant takes a pay cut
Kevin Durant also re-signed with the Warriors, as expected.
The two sides agreed on a two-year, $53 million deal (player option for the second year). This news startled the NBA world. Durant had accepted to take a pay cut in order to help the Warriors retain some of its core players and also pursue other decent players in free agency (Nick Young and Jamal Crawford are on their radar).
Durant will earn $25 million in the first year of this new contract, which is almost $10 million less than what the Warriors could have offered him. Durant has proven his commitment to the Warriors organization once again. He seemed happier than ever to play basketball this season with the Warriors. The Warriors dynasty starts with Durant and Curry. These two superstars will continue to play together at least one more year, but all signs point to a long journey together in the NBA.
