Curry’s extension pays nearly double Jordan’s 1998 salary

INFLATION IS REAL???

Wowsers folks. Stephen Curry and his blessed ankles have made him an All-Star, champion, MVP, All-Star MVP, Olympic Gold Medalist, and the greatest player to ever put on a Golden State Warriors uniform.

And now he’s going to be the first American team-sport pro athlete to earn over $60 million in a season?!?

For contrast, let’s compare that to the single year salary of Michael Jordan in the 1997-1998 season. His final year in a Chicago Bulls jersey was catalogued in the “Last Dance” Netflix series; and that final contract was worth a then all-time league-high $33,140,000 dollars.

“Michael Jordan has once again set a new standard in NBA salaries, signing a one-year deal for the 1997-98 season worth $33 million, the highest in league history. The Chicago Bulls legend’s contract underscores his unparalleled influence in the sport, both as a dominant player and a global icon.”— New York Times, 1998

Soooo you mean to tell me that Mr. Curry 16 years laater just signed a deal to make a one year salary worth damn near DOUBLE THAT?! Times have changed, but it’s great that Curry is getting a chance to cash on that after spending a large chunk of his prime very underpaid.

Check out this quote from a 2016 article discussing Stephen Curry being underpaid due to his earlier ankle injuries:

“Stephen Curry, the reigning MVP and one of the most electrifying players in the NBA, remains one of the league’s most underpaid stars, earning just $11 million this season. Due to concerns over his fragile ankles, Curry signed a four-year, $44 million contract in 2012, a deal that now looks like a steal for the Golden State Warriors given his meteoric rise and back-to-back MVP awards.”

— Sports Illustrated, 2016

That contract was signed with swirling doubts about his health and his future, ultimately becoming one of the best bargains in NBA history as he led the Dubs to a dynasty. It’s time to pay dat man.