As June approaches and the NBA offseason gears up, the Warriors and Klay Thompson haven't moved closer to an extension, pushing him toward free agency, reports Anthony Slater of The Athletic. It’s shaping up to be an intriguing summer in the Bay Area, and there's a real possibility that Thompson might be on the move.
"We need Klay back," said Steve Kerr after the Warriors were eliminated. "I know I speak for everybody in the organization. We want him back. Obviously, there's business at hand that has to be addressed with Klay's representatives. As good as he still is, we desperately want him back." However, it looks like Kerr may not get his wish.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Warriors' Intentions: The Warriors want to keep Thompson at the right price but haven't been aggressive in negotiating an extension.
- Klay's Performance: Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game this season, shooting 38.7% from 3-point range. While his shot creation and defense have declined, he remains valuable.
- Emerging Talent: With rookie Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody stepping up, the Warriors might not suffer significantly without Thompson on the court.
Thompson, at 34, seems ready to test free agency for the first time in his career. He’s expected to have multiple suitors but is not just chasing money; he wants to join a team where he can win. Orlando has shown long-standing interest, and other teams like Philadelphia and Oklahoma City, which have cap space and need veteran depth, might also be in the mix.
One of the biggest questions revolves around money. The Warriors might prefer a shorter deal aligning with Draymond Green's four-year, $100 million extension from last summer. Would Thompson accept a three-year, $65 million offer? Or will a team like Orlando offer something more enticing?
The Warriors also have some roster issues to address before re-signing Thompson. They need a second shot creator to relieve some pressure from Stephen Curry, a role Thompson used to fill but no longer does at an All-NBA level.
It would indeed be strange to see the Curry-era Warriors without Thompson or to see him in a different uniform altogether. Whatever happens, the upcoming months promise to be exciting as the Warriors navigate these crucial decisions.
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