Stephen Curry's extension talks with the Warriors are ongoing, with a deal reportedly worth up to $135 million over two years.
The two-time NBA champion's future in Golden State has been a topic of speculation, but sources close to the team have confirmed that Curry is not leaving the Bay Area. "No," said league sources, dismissing rumors of a potential Curry exit. "There remains mutual interest in a Curry extension when he's eligible in late August, league sources said, but nearly the rest of the roster is vulnerable in the next calendar year."
The Warriors can re-sign Curry for up to two years, $135 million, but it's unclear whether he'll take that much or opt for a shorter deal to give the team flexibility. Meanwhile, the rest of the roster is vulnerable in the next calendar year, leaving the team with limited options for roster upgrades.
Peyton Watson, a restricted free agent, is also at the center of a sign-and-trade drama. The Denver Nuggets are interested in retaining the forward but are facing a massive luxury tax bill, reportedly over $100 million. The team has shifted its price tag in any sign-and-trade scenario to at least one first-round pick and one notable player.
The Nuggets are reportedly willing to trade Watson, with several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Clippers, expressing interest. The Bucks are willing to take on the salary of Zeke Nnaji, while Cleveland's sign-and-trade is based around moving Max Strus and/or Dennis Schroder.
Bennedict Mathurin, another restricted free agent, is also being pursued by several teams. The Clippers want to re-sign the forward but are on hold due to the Kawhi Leonard/Aspiration investigation. Several teams, including Chicago, New Orleans, Milwaukee, and Dallas, have approached the Clippers about a sign-and-trade for Mathurin.
Jonathan Kuminga and DeMar DeRozan are also on the Cavaliers' radar, with the team reportedly interested in acquiring both players through sign-and-trades. James Harden has yet to officially re-sign with the Cavaliers, but the sides are reportedly talking, with Harden seeking a multi-year deal that compensates him fairly.
Zach LaVine, who picked up his $49 million option with the Kings, is not in the team's long-term plans, according to Kings insider James Ham. LaVine accepted the option but is aware that he is nearly untradable, and any trade should happen now if it's going to happen at all.
As the NBA free agency period continues, the Warriors' extension talks with Curry are a major storyline. The team's ability to re-sign the star guard will have a significant impact on their roster and playoff chances. With the deadline for Curry's extension looming on August 29, the team and Curry are running out of time to reach a deal.
Source: Yahoo Sports