Full Breakdown
Golden State Warriors Navigate Salary Cap with Seth Curry Waiver
10/22/2025, 4:05:00 PM
Strategic Waiver of Seth Curry
The Golden State Warriors have waived veteran guard Seth Curry, brother of star player Stephen Curry, as part of a calculated strategy to manage their salary cap ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. This decision, while surprising to some, was anticipated by those closely following the team's offseason moves. The Warriors signed Seth Curry to an Exhibit 9 contract, allowing him to participate in training camp without officially counting against the roster limit. However, the team did not play him in any preseason games, signaling their intention to waive him before the season began.
Financial Implications of the Waiver
The primary reason for waiving Seth Curry is to avoid exceeding the NBA's second apron of the luxury tax system. Keeping him on the roster at his veteran's minimum salary would have pushed the Warriors above this threshold, significantly limiting their flexibility for future roster moves. By waiving him, the Warriors can re-sign Curry at a pro-rated veteran's minimum contract on or after November 11, when they can officially add a 15th player to their roster without breaching the salary cap rules.
Expected Return and Role
Seth Curry is expected to rejoin the Warriors shortly after November 11, pending the team's financial maneuvering. His return is anticipated to bolster the Warriors' bench as a sharpshooter, having led the NBA with a 45.6% three-point shooting percentage last season. Head coach Steve Kerr expressed confidence in Curry's readiness, stating, “I’m not worried about Seth. He’s not worried about it. He’s coming along nicely.” This sentiment reflects the team's belief in Curry's ability to contribute effectively once he is officially back on the roster.
Criticism and Opposition
While the decision to waive Seth Curry has been framed as a strategic move, some critics argue that it undermines the excitement of having the Curry brothers play together in the NBA. Fans have expressed disappointment over the delay in witnessing this historic moment, as the brothers have never played on the same NBA team. The situation raises questions about the balance between financial strategy and fan engagement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are varying reports regarding the exact timing of Seth Curry's return. While November 11 is the earliest date he can re-sign, some sources suggest the Warriors may choose to wait longer to create additional salary cap space. This uncertainty leaves fans and analysts speculating about the team's immediate needs and potential injury concerns affecting the backcourt.
Conclusion
The Golden State Warriors' decision to waive Seth Curry reflects a broader strategy to navigate the complexities of the NBA salary cap while maintaining a competitive roster. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the anticipation builds for the moment when Seth Curry can finally join his brother Stephen on the court, contributing to the Warriors' quest for success in the 2025-26 season.
