The Warriors got they guy they wanted all along in Thursday's draft, selecting Davidson star guard Stephen Curry.
"We did have Steph on the board at seven probably a month or six weeks ago," Warriors general manager Larry Riley said. "Then he was rising. I was concerned at one point we might not get him. I thought he might go ahead of us. (ellipses) He's a guy we targeted and we were hoping he would be there for us."
The only question now is how long will they keep him. Riley said he was operating as if Curry will be a Warrior this season. But the Warriors, according to multiple sources, are in talks for Phoenix Suns All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire. Several outlets reported the talks, which have the Warriors sending their pick, center Andris Biedrins, forward Brandan Wright, swingman Kelenna Azubuike and guard Marco Belinelli to Phoenix.
But according to sources, the only hold-ups are a contract extension for Stoudemire and, of course, Curry.
The trade could still work without Curry, who has no monetary value in a trade until he signs a contract. But according to the Arizona Republic, the trade was contingent upon Curry being available at No. 7. He was.
Riley, per team policy, declined to comment. But later in the evening, a team source confirmed the Warriors were trying to keep Curry. For his part, Curry said he wants to stay in Oakland.
"A lot people were blowing up New York and thought I was going to be disappointed
if didn't go there," Curry said via conference call after being selected. "But that's not the case at all. I just spoke with Larry Riley and he didn't mention (me going to Phoenix). I don't know where I fit in. I hope I go to sleep a Warrior."
Then there is the contract extension. A team source said the Warriors are willing to pay, but it's uncertain if team president Robert Rowell would approve (or get owner Chris Cohan to approve) what Stoudemire would likely require.
Stoudemire is set to make $34 million over the next two seasons. But he has a player option for the 2010-11 season. Riley said he would have a tough time making a trade for a big-named player without locking him up long term.
Assuming Stoudemire garners the maximum, the Warriors would be able to sign him to a three-year, $61.3 million extension. That would put the Warriors on the hook for just over $95 million over five years. If the Warriors aren't willing to pay that much, or if Stoudemire doesn't agree to an extension, the deal likely won't happen.
