NBA

NBA free agency: Curry to sign record deal according to Warriors GM

One of the NBA's biggest bargains until now, Stephen Curry is about to receive his massive payday. Golden State general manager Bob Myers said Friday the Warriors will finalize a contract with the two-time MVP once the free agency moratorium ends July 6.

Contract is said to be worth $201 million US over 5 years

Stephen Curry's agent, Jeff Austin of Octagon Sports, told ESPN that the deal will be worth $201 million US over five years, a record for the NBA. (Ben Margot/The Associated Press)

One of the NBA's biggest bargains until now, Stephen Curry is about to receive his massive payday.

Golden State general manager Bob Myers said Friday the Warriors will finalize a contract with the two-time MVP once the free agency moratorium ends July 6.

The champion Warriors confirmed that in an email to The Associated Press on Friday night.

"We intend to enter into a Player Contract with Stephen once the Moratorium Period ends," Myers said.

Curry's agent, Jeff Austin of Octagon Sports, first told ESPN that the deal will be worth $201 million US over five years, a record for the NBA. Austin didn't immediately return emails from AP.

Curry, who won the MVP in 2015 and '16 and earned $12 million this season, averaged 28.1 points in the playoffs while also contributing 6.7 assists and 6.2 rebounds. He said when the season ended he was looking forward to receiving a hefty raise while still focused on a team-first approach as he, Kevin Durant and the others try to build a dynasty after capturing the franchise's second title in three years against LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

Redick trusts the process

A person with knowledge of the negotiations says J.J. Redick has agreed to a $23 million, one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers,

The person spoke with The Associated Press Saturday on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot become finalized until Wednesday at the earliest. Redick, however, tipped his hand with a tweet: "Trust the process," a clear nod to Philadelphia's mantra during its rebuilding cycle over the last several years.

Redick heads to Philadelphia from the Los Angeles Clippers, and gives the 76ers' young core some experience the team desperately wanted.

Warriors bring back pair

Also Friday, a person with knowledge of the contract said backup guard Shaun Livingston had agreed to a $24 million, three-year deal to remain with Golden State as he hoped. Livingston and Andre Iguodala — who will generate high interest across the league — have been key members of one of the NBA's best core of reserves.

Livingston has been an integral part of the Warriors' two championship teams and three trips to the NBA Finals in the last three years. The versatile guard can play both at the point and off the ball and gives them a defensive dimension on the second unit as well.

Meanwhile, David West is returning to the Golden State Warriors for what is expected to be his final NBA season, with the team saying it intends to sign him to a new deal next week upon the conclusion of the free agency moratorium period.

The Warriors confirmed the move Saturday from general manager Bob Myers.

The versatile forward just completed his 14th NBA season by averaging 4.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists during the Warriors' post-season run to their second title in three seasons. West, who will turn 37 next month, will reportedly earn the veteran's minimum of $2.3 million.

The Warriors finished with the league's best record for a third straight year.

Blake Griffin returning to Clippers

A person with knowledge of the situation says Blake Griffin has agreed to a five-year deal worth approximately $175 million to remain with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Griffin and the Clippers agreed on a new deal, one that will be signed when the league's moratorium on off-season moves ends on July 6. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been signed.

Griffin opted out last week from the final year of his contract, one that would have paid him $21.4 million.

Griffin has spent his entire career with the Clippers, averaging 21.5 points and 9.4 rebounds on 52 percent shooting in seven seasons. He's staying with a Clippers team that lost Chris Paul to Houston this week.

Pelicans lock up Holiday 

Jrue Holiday has joined all-star Anthony Davis in making a long-term commitment to the New Orleans Pelicans. If all goes as the Pelicans plan, DeMarcus Cousins ultimately will follow suit.

At the very least, the small-market Pelicans are now in position to play one full season with their own version of a "big three."

The 27-year-old Holiday, who became an unrestricted free agent at midnight on Friday, agreed Saturday morning to a five-year, $126 million contract with New Orleans. Holiday's agent, Jason Glushon, said the deal could be worth as much as $150 million with incentives such as being named an all-star or all-NBA, or hitting various statistical benchmarks.

The 6-foot-4 Holiday averaged 15.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 67 games last season.

Timberwolves replace Rubio with Jeff Teague

It didn't take the Minnesota Timberwolves long to find a replacement for Ricky Rubio.

Early Saturday, just a few hours after trading Rubio to the Utah Jazz, the Wolves agreed to terms with free agent point guard Jeff Teague on a three-year deal worth $57 million. A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press the deal includes a player option for the third year.

Teague averaged 15.3 points and a career-high 7.8 assists for the Indiana Pacers last season. He shot 35.7 per cent from 3-point range and is a better jump shooter than Rubio. The Wolves were looking to upgrade their shooting after trading for Jimmy Butler last week.