As we detailed earlier this week, free agency rumors and speculation haven’t followed Klay Thompson around this season in the same way they’ve followed teammate Kevin Durant. That discrepancy can be attributed in large part to a widespread belief around the league that Durant will leave the Warriors, while Thompson has long been expected to re-sign.
In a story from ESPN’s Nick Friedell this week, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that there’s significant mutual interest between Thompson and the Warriors in a new deal.
“I know that everybody — coaches, management, ownership — everybody wants Klay back,” Kerr said. “I think the feeling is just: Klay wants to be here, we want Klay.”
Still, while the Warriors remain the strong frontrunners to retain the veteran sharpshooter, there’s a “very real temperature-taking process happening behind the scenes right now,” according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Thompson has long been content to play second or third fiddle behind Stephen Curry and – since 2016 – Durant, but he’ll want to be compensated for his All-Star play in the “kind of way that he believes he deserves,” writes Amick. A source with knowledge of the situation tells Amick that Klay will be seeking a five-year, maximum salary contract from the Warriors, and the team would risk having him test the free agency waters if it isn’t willing to put that offer on the table this July.
Amick makes it clear that there’s no indication the Warriors aren’t ready to make that sort of offer, or that Thompson would definitely leave if they don’t. Amick’s source also adamantly denied a report that Thompson has grown at all discontent with the franchise. In other words, a long-term union between the two sides continues to look like the most probable outcome.
Still, with several significant contract situations to address this summer – including trying to re-sign Durant and perhaps extending Draymond Green – the Warriors will want to make sure to give their negotiations with Thompson the attention they deserve.
klay’s the kind of cat that would give GS a hometown discount and still play his ass off at a high level – his numbers should increase without durant
Cap aside, Klay, Kevin and Draymond deserve their hefty checks, and the Warriors can pay them…
Klay looked engaged once Durant got injured, no way he leaves. He’ll likely wait to see where Durant goes and then makes his choice.
Durant had to be watching Steph and Klay without him Game 5 and seen they dont need him. Durant is the best scorer in the game but he’s still got ball stopping ways when he gets the ball. Durant likely signs with the Wizards, he’s fond of Brooks and would be the undisputed leader there.
Wiz would have to make cap room and idk if trading Jabari would be enough
Shed Ariza and Parker and bring in Durant.
Jabari has a team option of 20 mil. They wouldn’t have to trade him, but the Wiz are terrible at basketball. Has Wall ever had a healthy season? Why would he sign there? Just because he’s from that area? Haha, that’s not enough, not even close.
The coach and it would be the Eastern Conference. Realistically what guard has been better than Wall in the playoffs over the past few years? He’s become forgotten but facts are when he’s healthy he is a difference maker. Wall and Durant could win a title together.
A title as what?
NBA Champions, why not? Wall is arguably the best all around point guard in the game when healthy, Durant the best scorer in the game, and Beal a top 5 shooting guard. Even though Dwight has become an afterthought assuming he’s healthy he’s a top 10 center arguably top 5.
Glad to have you back dionis. Nothing like your delusional takes in the chat.
Wall is washed up and was never that good. Easy to look good on a team full of nobodies.
Why would KD want to go to the Wizards? Retirement is just as likely. He doesn’t have a lot to gain by going to the Wizards.
Why would KD want to go to the Wizards? Retirement is just as likely. He doesn’t have a lot to gain by going to the Wizards.
Why would KD want to go to the Wizards? Retirement is just as likely. He doesn’t have a lot to gain by going to the Wizards.
I don’t see Klay going anywhere. Unless they lowball him with the contract they offer but I don’t see that happening at all especially since it seems obvious that KD is gone.
The way the NBA is set up (soft salary cap, hard FA cap), it really doesn’t matter what his objective (or even subjective) basketball value is relative to other players or even other FAs. Relative to GSW’s real alternatives, he’s worth it.
Every penny
I don’t get it. Why would Klay and Durant want to leave the Warriors? They are going to get paid. The question is. Do they want to plan for their vacations in March, or July?