Stephen Curry may be in line to earn the richest contract in NBA history.
Currently one of the most underpaid players in the league earning $12.1 this season, the two-time MVP can earn up to $207 million over five-years under the new collective bargaining agreement that the NBA and NBPA tentatively agreed to yesterday.
Sources have told ESPN that Curry stands to benefit greatly from a new designated veteran player provision, which enables a selection of superstars who re-sign with their current team to receive up to 35 percent of the salary cap if certain benchmarks are met. Curry would earn $36 million next season and possibly $47 million in year five.
Because Curry has played his entire career for the Warriors and won multiple MVPs, he would qualify for the provision. Kevin Durant’s departure from Oklahoma City this offseason is reportedly responsible for the provision, in an attempt to incentivize superstars to stay with their team instead of hitting free agency. The provision greatly improves the already strong odds that Curry will stay in Golden State after this season.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged weeks ago that the league and NBAPA were determined to give small-market teams “some advantages” in their efforts to retain star players.
Unfortunately, Kevin Durant is also in line for a monster contract next offseason. As a 10-year-veteran he is also slated to earn a max of $36 million, which would make the two the highest paid teammates in NBA history.
