Warriors Sign Curry To Four-Year Extension

3:26pm: The Warriors have officially signed Curry to a contract extension, the team confirmed in a press release.

"This is an exciting day for the Warriors and our fans and it certainly exemplifies the commitment of [owners] Joe Lacob and Peter Guber," said GM Bob Myers in the release. "We’re extremely pleased that we have reached an agreement that will enable Stephen to remain a vital part of our team long term.  His contributions over the last three years, both on the floor and in the community, have been invaluable to our organization.  We certainly expect him to be an integral part of our future success as he continues to evolve as a player in all facets of the game."

10:59am: Stephen Curry and the Warriors have reached an agreement on a contract extension for the fourth-year guard, a source tells Marcus Thompson II of the Bay Area News Group. According to Thompson, Curry's new deal, which will begin in 2013/14, will be worth $44MM over four years, and doesn't include any incentives or bonuses.

Curry himself confirmed the news on his Twitter account, tweeting: "#Dubs Gameday baby. And thanks to Joe Lacob & the Warriors hopefully I can say that for the next 4 yrs. agreed on extension."

The news is a little surprising, considering Curry was slowed during the preseason with ankle issues. After missing significant time last season with ankle injuries, it was assumed the Warriors wanted to take a long look at Curry's health this preseason to determine whether a long-term investment was worth the risk. Despite the fact that Curry missed some time last week with an ankle sprain, it seems the Warriors saw enough to convince them that they should lock up the 24-year-old now, rather than waiting until after the season.

Curry's deal comes on the heels of Ty Lawson signing a four-year, $48MM extension with the Nuggets. The Warriors point guard will earn an annual salary worth $1MM less than Lawson's, matching the $11MM annual salary Rajon Rondo is making on his five-year, $55MM deal with the Celtics.

As for the Warriors, they appear to be headed for luxury-tax territory in 2013/14, even if Curry's deal is backloaded. A $10MM salary for Curry in 2013/14 would put Golden State on the hook for about $58MM for its top five players (by salary) next season, assuming Richard Jefferson and Andris Biedrins pick up their options. Modest salaries for Harrison Barnes, Klay Thompson, Festus Ezeli, and Draymond Green, along with potential $4MM player options for Brandon Rush and Carl Landry, will make it extremely challenging for the Warriors to stay below the tax threshold.