Draymond Green has one problem with Steph Curry sacrificing $20 million: Don't call it 'only'

Heading into the upcoming campaign, no active player has logged more consecutive seasons with a single franchise than Stephen Curry , who is embarking on his historic 18th season with the Golden State Warriors , closely followed by longtime teammate Draymond Green entering his 15th year in the Bay.

Both veterans enjoyed a productive offseason securing their financial futures, with Green inking a one-year, $27.7 million contract in July, followed last week by Curry locking down a lucrative two-year, $116 million contract extension .

While Curry’s new deal could have scaled even higher under maximum parameters, the star guard purposely left money on the table to grant the front office financial flexibility to construct a competitive roster around him in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career.

Addressing Curry's unselfish pay cut during Media Day , Green delivered a blunt and humorous reaction to reporters: “'Only 20 million dollars' is crazy to say. I don't care whose money it is. 'Only 20 million dollars' is insane,” while further praising Curry as “one of the best leaders I've ever been around.”

Curry's Viral Podium Exit Highlights Low Expectations and Roster Hurdles

That fierce competitive spirit was on full display during Media Day , where Curry reacted with theatrical disbelief after being questioned about external projections writing off the Warriors' championship odds .

Throwing both hands up in mock indignation, the greatest shooter of all time promptly walked away from the microphone, bringing his press conference to an abrupt end.

Now 38 years old and entering his 18th professional campaign , Curry faces an uphill battle keeping Golden State afloat against an elite Western Conference gauntlet featuring rising powerhouses like the Spurs , Thunder , Timberwolves , Nuggets , and Rockets .

Compounding the challenge, the Warriors will be forced to navigate the first half of the season without their second-best player, Jimmy Butler, who remains sidelined until early 2027 recovering ahead of the All-Star break.

Meanwhile, a quiet offseason saw minor roster tweaks, lending Pat Spencer to the Suns and Quinten Post to the Grizzlies, while leaning on veteran frontcourt depth in Kristaps Porzingis (sidelined indefinitely) and 40-year-old Al Horford under head coach Steve Kerr .

Looking Back at the Kevin Durant Era as Curry Chases Ring No. 5

This year marks a major historical milestone, signifying 10 years since Kevin Durant shocked the basketball universe by leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder to form a legendary "Big Four" in Golden State alongside Curry, Klay Thompson, and Green.

That superstar coalition delivered two consecutive championships , with Durant capturing back-to-back Finals MVP honors , before their quest for a three-peat was halted by the Toronto Raptors and Kawhi Leonard (who has now reunited with Toronto after a seven-year stint with the Clippers).

Since Durant's departure from the Bay, he has failed to advance past the conference semifinals with the Nets, Suns, and Rockets, whereas the Warriors managed to capture another glorious title in 2022 , spearheaded by Curry securing his first career Finals MVP award.

Yet, outside of that championship run, Golden State has experienced postseason turbulence, missing the playoffs in four of the seven seasons since Durant left . As the new chapter tips off, all eyes remain fixed on Curry as he fights to capture his fifth career championship ring.