Imagine the NBA world buzzing with excitement as the Golden State Warriors finally bring together basketball’s most famous brothers, Seth and Steph Curry, under one roof. But just as fans were gearing up for this historic reunion, the Warriors dropped a bombshell: they waived Seth Curry just days before the regular season opener against the Lakers. What could possibly explain this head-scratching move? Let’s break it down.
In late September, the Warriors signed Seth Curry to a one-year deal, sparking dreams of the Curry brothers dominating the court together. However, the team’s announcement on Saturday (via their official PR account) that Seth was being waived left many fans puzzled. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not about Seth’s skills or fit—it’s all about the salary cap.
Here’s the deal: According to Spotrac, the Warriors are already over the NBA’s first salary-cap apron and have just over $2 million of wiggle room under the second apron. Because they used their taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Al Horford, they’re hard-capped at the second apron. This means they simply can’t afford to roster Seth right now without exceeding that limit. His veteran minimum contract would push them over the edge, leaving the team with no choice but to waive him—at least temporarily.
But here’s where it gets controversial: This isn’t a goodbye; it’s a ‘see you soon.’ ESPN’s Anthony Slater reports that Seth is expected to return to the Warriors within the first couple of months of the season. The key? Timing. If Seth signs his minimum contract after the season starts, it gets prorated, reducing its cost and allowing the Warriors to fit him under the second apron without breaking the bank.
Last season, Seth averaged 6.5 points in 15.6 minutes per game with the Hornets, shooting an impressive 45.6% from three-point range on 2.7 attempts per game. His sharpshooting skills would undoubtedly bolster the Warriors’ bench, making his eventual return a no-brainer.
Once Seth officially joins the Warriors, it will mark the first time the Curry brothers have been teammates in their NBA careers—a moment fans have been eagerly awaiting. Until then, Golden State will keep an open roster spot, as Slater noted, specifically for Seth’s anticipated return.
But here’s the question that’s sure to spark debate: Is the NBA’s salary cap system too restrictive, forcing teams to make awkward roster moves like this? Or is it a necessary evil to maintain competitive balance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this controversial topic!
