Stephen Curry's new extension settled one big question in Golden State, and a new report says two other veterans want to finish their careers there too.
The Golden State Warriors spent the last few months wondering how much longer their core would stay together, and the answers are starting to come in.
Guard Stephen Curry agreed to a two-year, $116 million extension, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, and he can opt out after the 2027-28 season.
That deal gave the front office a clearer look at the payroll, and it turned the attention to forward Jimmy Butler and forward Draymond Green, who are both on expiring contracts.
What the Report Says
Nick Friedell of The Athletic reported that both players have interest in finishing their careers with the team, but there is a catch.
"Butler and Green have expressed interest in retiring with the Warriors, though doing so could require them to return on substantially smaller contracts," Friedell wrote.
Butler is making $56.8 million this season.
Green declined a $27.7 million player option this summer and then chose to come back on a one-year deal worth $27.7 million.
Butler is 37 and Green is 36, so the next contracts for both players will almost certainly look very different from the ones they have now.
This is not the first time Butler has talked about it, since he told ESPN's Anthony Slater in June that he wants to retire with the Warriors and called the organization the best, according to the California Post.
Green has been a Warrior for 14 seasons since Golden State took him with the 35th pick in 2012, and he has won four championships with the team.
Why This Makes Sense for Both Sides
Curry is 38, and his new deal keeps him in Golden State through at least next season, so it makes sense for the other two stars to finish on the same timeline.
The Warriors keep their veteran leaders, and they also get cheaper deals that leave room to build around Curry in his final years.
There is still some risk.
Butler tore the ACL in his right knee on Jan. 19 against Miami, and he is still working his way back with no firm return date yet.
Golden State went 37-45 last season and lost to Phoenix in the play-in tournament, so the team needs more than good feelings.
Green will also have to show he can still play at a high level at 36.
Still, a smaller deal for a player who wants to stay is good business.
If both players really are willing to take less to stay, that is a good sign for the locker room, and it tells the younger players this is a place people want to finish.
It would also give the front office more room next summer to add younger players who can take some of the load off Curry, Butler and Green.
What Comes Next
Media day is Monday, and there should be plenty to talk about with Curry's deal done.
The Warriors then open training camp on Tuesday in Hawaii, and they start the regular season at the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 21.
Butler and Green will likely be asked about their futures right away, and their answers could shape the Warriors' plans for next summer.
