The Surprising Move: Why the Warriors Waived Seth Curry Before the Season Begins
The Golden State Warriors, known for their dynasty of success, made a surprising move just before the regular season tip-off. They waived Seth Curry, the brother of star player Steph Curry, just days before their opening game against the Lakers. This decision has left fans and analysts alike puzzled, as it seems counterintuitive for a team with such a strong foundation to let go of a player with Seth's experience and talent.
But here's the twist: it's all about the salary cap. The Warriors are in a delicate financial situation, having already exceeded the NBA's first salary-cap apron and using their taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Al Horford. This means they are now hard-capped at the second apron, with just a small margin of flexibility. Adding Seth's veteran minimum contract would push them over this threshold, making it impossible to fit within their salary budget.
However, this doesn't mean Seth is gone for good. According to NBA insider Anthony Slater, the Warriors expect Seth to return to the team within the first few months of the season. The key here is the timing of his contract. If Seth signs a prorated minimum contract after the season starts, it will help the Warriors manage their salary cap space more effectively.
Seth Curry's performance last season with the Hornets was impressive. He averaged 6.5 points per game, shooting 45.6% from deep, and making 2.7 three-point attempts per game. His ability to stretch the floor and create space for his teammates is invaluable, and the Warriors recognize this potential.
The reunion of the Curry brothers is a fascinating prospect. While they haven't played together in the NBA before, the addition of Seth would provide Steph with another skilled shooter and playmaker. The Warriors have an open roster spot, which will remain vacant until Seth's anticipated return, allowing them to focus on other strategic moves.
This move highlights the delicate balance between talent acquisition and financial management in the NBA. The Warriors' decision to waive Seth Curry before the season begins is a strategic one, ensuring they stay within the salary cap constraints while still maintaining their competitive edge. As the season unfolds, fans can expect to see Seth back in a Warriors uniform, bringing his unique skills and energy to the court.