In 2012, the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry agreed to what Curry later referred to on The Draymond Green Show as "the most favorable contract in possibly NBA history," signing a four-year, $44 million extension. The Warriors were able to extend Curry at such a bargain due to concerns over his ankle injuries.
Of course, the rest is history, as Curry went on to make his first of 11 All-Star appearances just one season later. That move changed the entire trajectory of not just their franchise but also NBA history, allowing Golden State to retain all their stars and even add Kevin Durant into the mix in 2016. Curry called it a "blessing in disguise."
Steph is a one-of-one player and the best shooter to ever walk planet Earth -- there's no replicating that. Nor can anyone replicate the Warriors' historic dynasty. But there is something to be said about the significance of landing team-friendly contracts at the right time and how they can snowball into something much larger for a roster's long-term outlook.
To a lesser extent, the Portland Trail Blazers found a similar opportunity last summer with their trade for Deni Avdija.
Deni Avdija is the most valuable contract in the NBA right now
Here's a breakdown of Avdija's contract:
- 2024-25: $15,625,000
- 2025-26: $14,375,000
- 2026-27: $13,125,000
- 2027-28: $11,875,000
By the time Avdija is 27, and in the midst of his prime, he's set to be on the Blazers' books for less than $12 million. Avdija's deal will become a smaller percentage of the Blazers' cap room at that point. Yes, because it's frontloaded, but also, the salary cap and luxury tax are projected to increase by ten percent due to the NBA's new TV deal.
Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic even suggested that Luka Doncic -- who has a $49 million player option in 2026-27 -- could be making more than $70 million in a few seasons.
Chauncey Billups has utilized Avdija like Doncic at times as a point forward, making him the focal point of the offense and instantly creating mismatches with his 6-foot-9, 240-pound frame and physical style of play.
He's been a legitimate All-Star-level player in March, averaging 22.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 50/48/83 shooting splits. He's already had four 30-plus point games this month, including his most recent 36-point performance in a crucial win over Denver to help keep Portland in the play-in hunt.
Not only was that a season-high, but Avdija showcased his versatility, starting in the center spot and leading the team in rebounds (eight) with Donovan Clingan, Deandre Ayton, and Robert Williams III all sidelined. Only a handful of players in the league can play all five positions and initiate the offense, and Portland has one of them.
The Blazers have an exceptional talent and potentially even a future All-Star if Avdija keeps this up. The fact that he's so cheap and now playing at this high of a level will give them a massive advantage going forward in their rebuild.