After ending their pursuit of bringing LeBron James to San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors have shifted their focus toward securing extensions for their key players. According to ClutchPoints, the franchise is ready to lock in its core, starting with Stephen Curry, who will become eligible for a contract extension on August 6. The Warriors’ intention is to accommodate their superstar’s wishes, whether that means a one-year extension or a two-year deal.
Draymond Green is also expected to remain in Golden State. After declining his player option to give the team more financial flexibility during the pursuit of LeBron, the veteran forward is expected to re-sign with the Warriors, while there is mutual interest in reaching a new agreement with Gary Payton II as well.
The franchise is also placing significant importance on Brandin Podziemski, who is viewed by the front office as one of the pillars of the team’s future. The two sides are expected to begin extension talks soon, with a potential deal that could give the 23-year-old guard an annual salary in the range of $24 million. The Warriors also have strong belief in rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, considered another key piece for the franchise’s long-term future.
Among the remaining free agents, Golden State continues to monitor Mario Hezonja, coming off an MVP season in the ACB Liga Endesa with Real Madrid, while the team has also held conversations with DeMar DeRozan. The former Kings forward remains an option, but the interest from multiple teams makes a move to Golden State on a minimum contract unlikely.