Why Curry Deserves $116 Million? Former Teammate Poole: He's One of the Greatest Players Ever

　　Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry recently reached an agreement with the team on a two-year, $116 million contract extension. On this, former championship teammate Jordan Poole, now with the New Orleans Pelicans, gave generous praise at the team's media day, bluntly calling the veteran one of the greatest players in league history and arguing that his years of contributions to the Warriors fully justify the deal.

　　Curry's new contract totals $116 million

　　Curry recently agreed to a two-year, $116 million extension with the Golden State Warriors, including a player option for the 2028-29 season. Notably, to help the team's future roster construction, the two-time MVP took a nearly $20 million pay cut in this extension. This financial sacrifice is expected to free up as much as $64 million in salary cap space for the Warriors next offseason, giving the front office enough flexibility to recruit top-tier talent in free agency. It fully demonstrates his determination and leadership to lead the team back to glory.

　　Poole backs him up: He's one of the greatest ever

　　Poole, heading into his second season with the Pelicans, was asked by reporters at media day about Curry's extension. He didn't hold back in praising his former teammate: "Steph is one of the greatest players in league history, and he's definitely the greatest shooter of all time. Look at his work ethic, and the environment he's grown, learned, and been immersed in for 15 or 16 years with Golden State. He works extremely hard, and I think his performance on the court speaks for itself."

　　Poole further pointed out that Curry has spent years with the same team, familiar with the system, teammates, and front office, which allows him to play freely on the court. "To contend for a championship, rosters always go through a lot of changes, but he's always been the core foundation of the Warriors organization. This honor is well-deserved, and it all comes down to him."

　　Recalling their time together in the Bay Area, Poole emotionally referred to Curry as "big homie." He revealed they still keep in touch, exchanging messages during the offseason or throughout the season. Poole was drafted by the Warriors with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 draft, spending his first four years in Golden State. He teamed up with Curry to defeat the Boston Celtics in 2022 and win the NBA championship. Though they now play for different teams, Poole still holds deep respect for his former teammate, lauding him not only as a tremendously talented athlete but also as an incomparable good person.