NBA Notes: Warriors, Stephen Curry, Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns, Lakers

Warriors

The Warriors and Stephen Curry made official what everyone knew was coming.

Curry signed a two-year, $116 million extension that includes a player option for 2028-29, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

The deal is worth about $20.7 million less than the maximum Curry could have received, giving Golden State some added flexibility as it tries to build another contender around him.

Curry will make $62.6 million this season before the extension begins. The agreement also makes him the first player in NBA history to surpass $600 million in career on-court earnings.

The 38-year-old has repeatedly said he wants to spend his entire career with the Warriors. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. called Curry the greatest face of a franchise in professional sports history.

Curry averaged 26.6 points and shot 39.3 percent from beyond the arc last season, although a knee injury limited him to 43 games.

The extension should keep him with Golden State through at least the 2028 trade deadline. More importantly, taking less than the maximum leaves the Warriors with a little more room to chase the fifth championship Curry still wants.

Knicks

The Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns do not appear close to an extension. Depending on whom you ask, they may not even be in the same neighborhood.

Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon of ESPN said on The Hoop Collective podcast that the sides are “tens of millions” apart.

MacMahon suggested the difference could be eight figures annually.

Towns will make $57 million this season and holds a $61 million player option for 2027-28. He is eligible for a four-year extension projected to be worth as much as $276 million. That doesn’t mean Towns is demanding every available dollar.

“KAT is not pounding the table and saying, ‘You’ve got to max me,’” MacMahon said. “He’s willing to have discussions.”

Windhorst agreed that Towns appears willing to accept less than the maximum. The problem is determining how much less and whether New York’s current offer comes close.

The Knicks want Towns long term. They also have tax concerns and other extension decisions ahead. Wanting to keep someone and wanting to meet his price are two different things.

Lakers

JJ Redick is not hiding from expectations.

The Lakers coach said he expects the team to develop into a championship-level group this season, a considerably stronger declaration than the one offered by president Rob Pelinka.

Pelinka said L.A. remains behind the Thunder and Spurs in the Western Conference but is “on the path” toward contention. Meanwhile, Redick sounds ready to accelerate the trip.

“I think with this group, probably the first time in my three years here that I feel like the pieces actually fit together,” he said, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler are locked into starting jobs. The other two spots will be determined during camp.

“I’m pretty confident in three of the spots,” Redick said, via Dan Woike of The Athletic. “The other two spots will not be two White guys.”

Quentin Grimes, Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle appear to be the leading candidates. Jake LaRavia and Sandro Mamukelashvili could also receive consideration.

Williams has reportedly impressed during offseason workouts. With Doncic and Reaves handling the offense, defense and shooting will likely decide who fills the remaining jobs.