The Warriors, in a move to develop their future core, have decided to keep Moses Moody with the team. The incoming fourth-year swingman has been extended to a three-year $39 million rookie contract extension, Shams Charania of ESPN reported. Moody was already on the verge of his rookie contract expiring. Had the Dubs not extended the 22-year-old’s deal, the hooper would effectively become a restricted free agent next season.

However, the two parties agreed on a deal that satisfied both sides. Clearly, this move reflected the team’s belief in Moody’s potential, especially considering his defensive capabilities and growth as a rotational player. An aspect that Charania mentioned in his report.

“Moody has developed into a key, reliable rotation player for Steve Kerr and the Warriors,” the ESPN Insider wrote. Talking about the 6’5 guard’s impact, Coach Kerr had only the highest praise.

“He’s playing great. He’s gotten so much better in so many ways. We’ve always loved his character, work ethic, but I think this is the most confidence that he’s played with. He’s going to play a big role for us,” he said to reporters after GSW’s 6-0 preseason triumph. There’s no doubt that with this extension, Moses Moody will be looking at a bigger role with the team going into the regular season.

Needless to say, the next question would be the salary cap implications. The Golden State is already walking on thin ice with the luxury tax bill, given that they are a repeat offender, meaning the franchise has already been over the luxury tax 3 out of the past 4 years. Their tax threshold is $170,814,000. However, their tax allocations come to $176,598,341, effectively putting them $5,784,341 over.

Considering they are repeat offenders, GSW has to pay a total penalty of $14,614,966, per Spotrac. It certainly is not ideal, but the circumstances call for developing the future Warriors stars along with the veterans, who are highly likely to hang up their boots sooner rather than later.

Before Moody’s extension, the GSW’s total salary cap allocation came to $199.3 million. Of course, Stephen Curry ranks at the top with $55.8 million in cap hit, followed by Andrew Wiggins ($26.3M), Draymond Green ($24.1M), De’Anthony Melton ($12.8M), and more.

Although further details of Moses Moody’s contract have yet to be revealed, the 2022 champion is set to earn nearly an estimated $13 million annually under his new three-year, $39 million deal. This latest news naturally leads to questions regarding another key player in the Warriors – Jonathan Kuminga.

Post Moses Moody’s extension situation, what will happen to Jonathan Kuminga?

Jonathan Kuminga has been in line for a contract extension since last season. However, the 2021 first-round pick, despite having a higher upside, has struggled to find consistency and fit within the Warriors. Add the persistent trade rumors surrounding Kuminga, along with Moodys’ extension now, has made the outside noise grow even louder. The hooper’s new deal showcases the team’s confidence in the Arkansas alum’s development, particularly as a 3-and-D player, who has shown promise in his limited role.

If the Warriors do lean into prioritizing Moody’s growth as a means to locking him for the foreseeable future, it could further limit any potential opportunities for Kuminga. That said, Steve Kerr is hopeful that the front office will sign an extension for the Congolese forward, as well.

“I would love it if both guys signed extensions, but I also understand they have to weigh the pros and cons. I’d love to have them here long-term because they’re both great to coach and they’re getting better and better all the time,” the head coach said to reporters at Chase Center before news of Moses Moody’s extension surfaced.

If JK does not get an extension or a new deal by Monday, he will effectively become a restricted free agent. Hopefully, things work out in favor of the 22-year-old, who averaged career-highs of 16.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season.