Is Klay Thompson about to see his 13-year career with the Golden State Warriors coming to an end? It really is an open question with the four-time NBA champion set to hit NBA free agency in July.
Thompson and Golden State have not necessarily been close in extension talks over the past several months. Meanwhile, the future Hall of Famer is coming off a frustrating season that saw him put up his worst numbers since back in 2012-13.
As the Warriors navigate this offseason in an attempt to get back into championship contention, Thompson’s future in San Francisco remains very much up in the air.
Golden State missed out on the playoffs for the third time in five seasons. Its campaign came to a conclusion in the NBA Play-In Tournament against the Sacramento Kings with Thompson being held scoreless.
Related: Offseason of change looming for the Golden State Warriors
“Realistic chance” Klay Thompson leaves the Golden State Warriors this summer
“The calendar flips to June this weekend. It’s the final month of Klay Thompson’s current contract with the Golden State Warriors, and there remains a realistic chance these are the fading days of his 13-year run with the organization. As the decision on his future nears, there’s been no notable movement from either side toward a resolution, league sources said.
Anthony Slater of The Athletic on Klay Thompson situation with the Golden State Warriors
The lack of movement is telling with roughly a month to go before Thompson officially hits free agency. He’s already been linked to the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers back east.
As for the Warriors, they want Thompson to finish his career with the organization. However, there are certainly other factors in play here.
“The Warriors maintain a desire to retain Thompson at the right price once other aspects of their roster retool get clarified,” Slater reported. “But they haven’t exactly been beating down his door to work out the framework for an extension (which can be signed at any time). In turn, the 34-year-old Thompson appears ready to test free-agency waters, exploring external options for the first time in his career.”
- Klay Thompson stats (2023-24): 17.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 43% shooting, 39% 3-point
Golden State has to weigh whether Thompson market meets with both its short-term and long-term goals. It also must keep the championship window open as franchise legend Stephen Curry enters the twilight of his career.
Loyalty might matter. But contending is a larger goal for the Warriors.
In addition to the Thompson situation, Chris Paul is due $30 million non-guaranteed in late June. Speculation has come up that the two sides might push back his contract deadline to help facilitate a trade. Meanwhile, 2022 NBA Finals hero Andrew Wiggins is firmly on the trade block.