Curry's Extension Menu, Sabonis Still on Trade Block

Stephen Curry has a menu of contract extension options from the Golden State Warriors. The veteran guard is entering the final year of his current deal, which will pay him $62.6 million this season.

ESPN's Anthony Slater, speaking on the Hoop Collective podcast, detailed the situation. The Warriors are not currently negotiating but have presented Curry with his choices. "They're adamant they're not negotiating with Steph Curry right now," Slater reported. "They are saying, 'You can do this, you can do this, you can do this."

Curry's Contract Choices

Due to the league's over-38 rule, Curry cannot sign an extension for more than two years at this time. His available options include a two-year max extension worth an estimated $136.7 million, which would keep him with the Warriors until age 41. He could also technically wait until the 2026 offseason to sign a three-year, $212.9 million max contract. Slater expects a decision closer to the start of training camp, noting there is no immediate pressure.

Sabonis's Trade Market

On the same podcast, Slater discussed the ongoing availability of Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis. The Kings have been looking to move the efficient double-double machine for more than a year. His offensive skills as a passer and hub are offset by his limitations as a rim protector, a critical need in modern defensive schemes.

The larger obstacle is his salary. Sabonis is owed $45.4 million this season and $48.6 million next season, with both years fully guaranteed. In the current apron era, that is considered a significant financial commitment for a non-star player. A trade is considered more likely next offseason when he is on an expiring contract, though a move before the February deadline remains possible. For now, he remains a veteran presence playing alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr.

League Notes and Moves

The Cleveland Cavaliers appear set to bring over center Khalifa Diop, reports José Luis Martínez of Marca. The 7'1"player, selected 39th overall in the 2022 draft, has left Spanish club Baskonia."I'm at a loss for words," Brown said. "I just want to say thank you to Boston, thank you to the city, and I love you."

In a Chicago Sun-Times article, new Bulls coach Tiago Splitter was blunt about second-year big man Noa Essengue. Splitter said the 19-year-old needs to play tougher and bring more force. Writer Joe Cowley used the assessment to critique former head of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas's draft record. The article states Karnisovas selected Patrick Williams fourth overall in 2020 over Tyrese Haliburton, whom he did not consider a serious prospect. Cowley also reported Karnisovas was focused on Essengue while scouts preferred Joan Beringer, who is now poised for an expanded role with the Minnesota Timberwolves.