The Golden State Warriors’ response to Moses Moody’s contract extension has been mainly favorable. On Sunday, the fourth-year wing agreed to a new three-year, $39 million agreement.
Following an outstanding preseason campaign in which he averaged a team-high 15.5 points on 45.6% shooting from the field and 39.4% from three-point range, Moody was extended.
Moses Moody ought to have been handed a fourth year by the Warriors.
Many think Moody’s new contract would soon seem like a team-friendly one for Golden State given his performance during the preseason. Before he really establishes himself as a highly useful, 25-minute per game two-way player, the team most likely just signed the former 14th overall pick to a cheap contract.
The Warriors might have made one significant error, though. In reality, Moody’s camp wanted an additional year added to his three-year agreement, according to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points.
League insiders tell ClutchPoints that Moody was initially looking for a four-year extension as he approached the last year of his rookie contract. — Siegel, Brett
Golden State ought to have been prepared to grant Moody a fourth year if that were the case. It might have ended up costing about $55 million for a four-year contract given the rising pay cap. Even if you’re committing to more money later, there wouldn’t have been much danger involved.
In contrast, the Warriors could have benefited greatly. Moody’s next deal might be as high as $20–25 million per season in 2028 if he does end up becoming the player that many had envisioned, especially with the natural increase in player salary.
Before the 2012–13 season, the team offered Stephen Curry a four-year, $44 million extension, which turned out to be one of the most team-friendly deals in NBA history. What if Curry was only offered a three-year contract by Golden State? They wouldn’t have had the space to sign Kevin Durant in the 2016 summer, and they would have had to offer him a maximum contract sooner.
Although there is no doubt that Moody will develop into a player of Curry’s caliber for MVP, the outcome might be comparable. Not giving him the fourth year may potentially backfire on them, even though it might end up offering them greater flexibility in the future.
For the Warriors, it still looks like a great deal, but maybe this was one crucial mistake that could have made it even more team-friendly within time