The Golden State Warriors made headlines over the weekend. They waived veteran guard Seth Curry, just days before their regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. The move came as a surprise to fans who were eager to see Seth and his brother share the court.
Why the Warriors Made the Move
While the timing seems strange, the decision was primarily driven by salary-cap complications. According to Spotrac, the Warriors are already above the NBA’s first salary-cap apron. They are sitting just about $2 million below the second apron.
Because the team used its taxpayer mid-level exception to sign veteran big man Al Horford. The Warriors are now hard-capped at the second apron. Meaning they can’t spend beyond that limit under any circumstances.
Seth’s veteran minimum contract would have pushed Golden State past that boundary. Rather than face financial penalties, the front office had no choice but to release him before finalizing the regular-season roster.
A Smart Business Move, Not a Goodbye
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, this isn’t the end of Seth Curry’s time in the Bay Area. The expectation is that he’ll rejoin the Warriors within the first couple of months of the season. That will happen once the team can safely fit his salary under the second apron.
However, when a player signs after the regular season begins, their minimum contract becomes prorated. This means the team pays only for the portion of the season remaining. This maneuver allows the Warriors to bring Seth back later at a reduced cap cost.
The Curry Brothers’ Dream Deferred
If and when Seth returns. It would mark the first time in NBA history that the Curry brothers suit up for the same team. For years, fans have imagined the spectacle of Steph and Seth sharing the backcourt. The 2025-26 season may be the first time this happens. We just have to wait to see it.