Curry Signs the Extension. Golden State Can Start Camp for Real Now.

Stephen Curry agreed to a two-year, $116 million extension with the Warriors, closing out the one item that had been hanging over training camp since it opened. Two days ago I noted that Curry seemed unbothered by the unsigned status; apparently the two sides were closer than the calendar suggested.

The deal matters beyond the number. Everything Golden State built this offseason — Kristaps Porzingis at center, Draymond Green back on a one-year deal, the perimeter additions of De'Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II — was constructed around the assumption that Curry stays. Now that assumption has a signature on it. The roster can stop being a framework and start being a team.

The remaining variable is Jimmy Butler, who tore his ACL in January and is still working back. His timeline for full availability is unclear, which means the early portion of the season will fall heavily on Curry, Green, and however quickly Porzingis settles in. That's a real question. But it's a basketball question, and those are the right kind to be asking at this point in September.