Report: JP’s extension could exceed $100M; new deal for Wiggs, too? originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Now that the Warriors have officially celebrated their fourth NBA championship in eight seasons, it’s time for the organization to focus on winning another.
And with a handful of Golden State stars who will become eligible for contract extensions in the coming weeks, majority owner Joe Lacob and general manager Bob Myers can expect a busy offseason in order to sustain the team’s success moving forward.
That means doing all they can to bring back each of their key players next season, Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle reported Monday, citing sources. In that same vein, Letourneau reported that the Warriors are expected to discuss contract extensions with both Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins this summer.
Poole and Wiggins were two vital contributors to the Warriors’ 2022 NBA Finals run, so it’s no surprise the front office reportedly wants to keep them in the Bay.
At only 22 years old, Poole proved invaluable as a starter and off the bench throughout the postseason. He just turned 23 last Sunday and has the ability to contribute — and lead — for years to come.
The future is bright, but Poole’s extension eligibility will expire before the start of next season, meaning the Warriors should act fast in order to avoid competition from other teams for the young talent in 2023 in restricted free agency.
Letourneau reported, citing a league source, that the Warriors’ offer for Poole likely needs to start at around four years, $100 million.
And after Wiggins put up Finals MVP-worthy numbers against the Boston Celtics (if it weren’t for a man named Steph Curry), Letourneau reported the first-time All-Star will ask for “nothing less than the max.”
“Giving [Wiggins] three or four more years beyond next season at around $37 million annually would have huge luxury-tax implications for the Warriors,” Letourneau wrote. “It might behoove Golden State to see how the next 12 or so months unfold before they sign Wiggins to another contract. Perhaps Wiggins struggles to build off his big postseason, or perhaps Jonathan Kuminga shows that he is ready for a starting job.
“But the fact that a max contract extension is even a possibility speaks to how much the Warriors value Wiggins.”
Along with Poole and Wiggins, both Draymond Green and Klay Thompson will become eligible for contract extensions this summer.
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Plus, bringing back free agents like Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. might prove pricey, but Letourneau also reported that the Warriors would like to see Nemanja Bjelica, Damion Lee and Juan Toscano-Anderson return to the Warriors on minimum deals.
There are countless roster decisions for the Warriors’ front office to consider this offseason, but their choices thus far have contributed to a dynasty that has lasted throughout the years.
Exactly how the summer will play out remains to be seen.