What happened: Marc Stein says Dallas expects the 34-year-old Irving to open next season alongside Cooper Flagg as he returns from knee surgery. Stephen Curry becomes eligible Aug. 29 for a two-year Warriors extension worth about $135 million. Watson is seeking more than $25 million annually after potential suitors spent their cap space elsewhere.
Why it matters: Keeping Irving would let Dallas evaluate its veteran guard with Flagg before reconsidering the roster near the trade deadline. Curry could delay an extension while Golden State preserves a path to roughly $130 million to $140 million in future cap space. Denver’s second-apron position makes a long-term Watson deal especially costly.
By the numbers: Irving has nine All-Star selections. Curry is owed $62 million in the final year of his contract, while the proposed extension averages about $67.5 million annually. Watson’s $6.5 million qualifying offer is less than 26% of his reported $25 million annual target.
What to watch: Watch whether Curry delays an extension to preserve Golden State’s flexibility and whether Denver can close its contract gap with Watson before he chooses the one-year route.