Stephen Curry ranks as the highest-paid player in the NBA.
He will make $59.61 million next season alone, making him the league’s top earner since the 2017-18 season.
Stephen Curry is a cornerstone of the Warriors, winning two MVP awards and four championships, and deserves this honor as one of the best players of the past decade.
It’s no surprise that the best shooter in basketball history is at the top of the salary list.
But Curry’s path to becoming the highest-paid player wasn’t easy.
Unlike many stars who sign max contracts after their rookie contracts expire, Curry signed a four-year, $11 million extension in 2012.
Former Warriors GM Bob Myers recently explained that despite his widely criticized contract, Curry never complained or suggested the franchise was underestimating him.
“When Stephen Curry signed a four-year contract extension for $1.1 million a year, everyone said it was one of the biggest underpayments,” Myers explained.
“How many times do you think Steph has brought up her contract privately or publicly in the last four years?”
“To this day, zero. And it’s no coincidence that this man has been successful throughout his life. It all goes back to his faith, his integrity, and doing all the right things,” he added.
At the time of signing this extension, Curry was recovering from an ankle injury issue that limited him to just 22 games in 2011-12.
He prioritized financial security, even though many believed his salary was low compared to his contributions to the Warriors.
The Warriors benefited greatly from this team-friendly contract.
The below-market contract extension allowed Golden State to build a dynasty by retaining core players Klay Thompson and Draymond Green while freeing up the cap space needed to sign Kevin Durant in 2016.
Curry’s willingness to accept below-market value directly helped the Warriors reach a championship.