SAN FRANCISCO – One of the best shooters in the league is set for his long-awaited return to the Warriors’ roster.
The team is expected to sign Seth Curry, the younger brother of Golden State superstar Steph Curry, to a veteran minimum contract before Monday’s game against Oklahoma City, according to ESPN. The Warriors have not yet announced the transaction.
The younger Curry, 35, led the league in 3-point percentage (45.6%) in 68 games for his hometown Charlotte Hornets last season.
Curry had spent training camp with the Warriors on an Exhibit 10 contract, but did not play during the preseason and was waived shortly before the regular season began on Oct. 21.
The move was expected, as the cap space-strapped Warriors are up against the dreaded second apron.
If the team’s overall salary exceeds that threshold, it faces severe restrictions when it comes to adding talent to the roster.
Now that enough of the season has passed, Curry’s salary — pro-rated for the rest of the season — will allow the Warriors to remain under that second apron.
Golden State has kept its 15th roster spot vacant at the beginning of the season, and thus will not need to waive or release any other player.
Curry, who has made 43.3% of his 3-pointers over an 11-year career, joins a shooting guard rotation that already includes Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield and rookie sensation Will Richard.
However, before Curry’s brief sabbatical, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr envisioned a role on the team.
“Seth is a really good player in his own right,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s one of the best shooters in the league, and he’s going to help us win some games this year.”
He had previously spent part of his rookie season playing for the Warriors’ Santa Cruz G League team, but had never played with his brother as he sought to establish himself apart from his famous sibling.
But with both Currys in their mid-to-late 30s, the time was right for a family reunion.
“I’ve said a few times in the past that I don’t want to be on the same team, that I want to create my own path,” Curry said during his introductory press conference during the preseason, later adding. “But I’m comfortable being here now, and definitely everybody is excited, and I’m excited.”