NBA dynasties are propelled by superstars, but one player-turned-pundit thinks Steph Curry’s second NBA contract is what’s really keeping the Warriors in the hunt.
In his “Gils Arena Show” segment, former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas detailed how Curry’s $44 million, four-year contract from 2013 helped Golden State achieve a decade of dominance.
According to Arenas, “dynasties are made off of bad contracts.” “It helps my franchise grow if I can get one of you dumb asses to sign some crappy contract. Similar to what [Jalen] Brunson did in New York. It’s regarded as a lousy deal. They will benefit from that in the future because they have a sizable savings account. Was Steph the team’s third-highest paid player when he won a championship?
“I paid $44 million to have you for four years. It’s cool if you end up becoming a two-time MVP and two-time All-Star. I can give you a better offer after the four years have passed. But I got you for pennies on the dollar right now. And I can continue to add players over the next four years.”
Among some misunderstanding with his co-hosts, Arenas further explained his position by pointing out that the Warriors had a great degree of financial flexibility thanks to Curry’s below-market deal, which allowed them to develop a machine that made five straight NBA Finals appearances.
“Steph Curry signed a bad deal, which created a dynasty,” Arenas stated. “Steph Curry would have gotten a rookie max contract, which would have hurt them in the back end, if he had been Steph Curry sooner. However, it led to the creation of a backdoor dynasty because he first signed a terrible deal.”
Following three seasons in which ankle issues kept him out of the NBA for a considerable portion of the season, Curry inked the team-friendly contract. With more salary-cap room available, the Warriors were able to sign Andre Iguodala, who turned out to be a priceless addition to Golden State’s legendary run.
During the four years of Curry’s contract, the Warriors made three Finals appearances and won two of them, including their first NBA title in the second year of the deal.
It is debatable whether or not Curry’s contract was the primary factor in Golden State’s success, but it certainly helped them assemble a fantastic team.