By Janie McCauley
Stephen Curry is likely to go from being the NBA's biggest bargain to signing the richest contract in the league at more than $200 million.
But, like two-time reigning MVP and new NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant, they will consider taking less money to keep the core of the champion Golden State Warriors intact.
Point-scoring machine Stephen Curry.Credit: Getty Images
"It would mean everything. What we've built here is truly special, it's unique, it's something that you don't want to see end at all," Curry said.
"All the pieces that we have are important to the equation of winning a championship and competing for a championship every single year.
Dream team Kevin Durant and Steph Curry give a high five.Credit: Getty Images
"I will approach it (talks) to get the most out of it I can as an individual, as a player, and something that I've been working for for a very long time. In the context of keeping the team together, if there are decisions that need to be made, we'll talk about it for sure."
Two days after capturing the franchise's second title in three years against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Warriors prepare to part ways for what will be a busy offseason for general manager Bob Myers and the front office.
Durant says he has "no question" in his mind he will be back with the Warriors. He hinted he would opt out of a deal that pays him the maximum he can get in order to help Golden State's chances of re-signing players such as Andre Iguodala or Shaun Livingston - two key reserves on both title teams.
"It's the business of basketball obviously so nothing is for sure, but here I feel like we can work that out and we'll have a chance to do this again next year," Durant said.
The group that recruited Durant in the Hamptons that day last summer has the same philosophy about winning more championships. Along with Curry that day were Iguodala, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.
"I do know me and KD had a conversation along with Draymond and Klay and Andre last year before he even showed up that that was kind of the identity of who we are as a team that we understand how important it is, the guys that are here," Curry said.
"We're going to do everything we can to keep this team together. I'll have that mindset, KD's going to have that mindset, I know Dre, Shaun, all the guys that are up for negotiating a new contract.
"The beauty of what I know of this team, we all want to provide for our families, we want to get all that we can out of this game while we still have the legs to do it, but there are no egos when it comes to that side of the equation when it comes to us as professional athletes."
AP