How Rupert Murdoch Changed Sports Media Forever
Over the weekend, the Warriors made a pair of moves to secure their future and potentially continue their dynasty — but it will take an unprecedented financial toll.
Per multiple reports, Jordan Poole signed a four-year, $140 million extension with Golden State, while Andrew Wiggins signed a four-year, $109 million extension.
When those contracts take effect for the 2023-24 season, the Dubs would be set to pay an NBA-record $286 million in luxury tax; when combined with salary commitments ($215M), it brings the Warriors’ total payment to a whopping $483 million, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
The reigning NBA champions are, of course, no strangers to excessive spending.
- Last season, they paid an NBA-record $170.3M in luxury tax; this season, they are paying a slightly cheaper $170.2M — highest in the league.
- Steph Curry has the largest cap hit in the league this season at $48 million — a figure that is set to increase each season and max out at $59.6 million in 2025-26.
- Per Forbes, the Warriors are the NBA’s all-time leader in luxury tax payments ($337.8M).
They were also Forbes’ second-most valuable team in 2021-22 at $5.6 billion — making bills like these a lot easier to bear.
That said, any cost-cutting conversations will likely begin and end with Draymond Green.
The veteran forward is making $25.8 million this season and has a $27.6 million player option for 2023-24 — which, if exercised, could increase the Dubs’ total payment that season to over $500 million.
Another factor in Green’s departure could be his fight with Poole that was caught on camera in early October — sparking a frenzy on the internet.
