If Klay Thompson does return to the Golden State Warriors after this season, several NBA executives speculated on what the likely cost would be for the team this summer.
Heading into the 2023-24 NBA season all signs pointed to the Warriors and Thompson eventually coming to terms on a new long-term contract that likely would see him end his career in blue and gold. Unfortunately, negotiations failed and he was set to play out the final year of his contract.
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Thompson’s asking price was reportedly one the organization was unwilling to meet. Which made it seem like the Golden State legend playing elsewhere next season was very possible. However, the landscape on a new contract and negotiations has changed after a disastrous last few months for the five-time All-Star.
This season he is averaging some of his lowest numbers since his first seasons in the league, including 17.0 points per game and career-worst numbers from the field (42%) and three (38%). With strong defense no longer being a staple of his game, his poor performance on offense shockingly led to him being benched last month.
- Klay Thompson stats (2023-24): 17.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 38% 3 PT
Golden State Warriors may have to fork over as much as $25 million a season to keep Klay Thompson
Thompson’s value has hit a new low, which could be a huge benefit for the Golden State Warriors if they would like to retain one of their greatest players in franchise history. On Friday, Hoops Hype spoke with eight NBA executives to get their thoughts on what it might cost the Warriors to bring back Thompson in 2024-25.
“Three executives believed Thompson would get $18-20 million annually, and the other five predicted he’d get $20-25 million annually. Four executives believed Golden State would ideally try to align Thompson with his fellow “Splash Brother,” Curry, on a two-year deal. Green, meanwhile, has a player option for the 2026-27 season.”
– Hoops Hype
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Thompson made over $40 million per season over the last two years, including $43.2 million in 2023-24. So even paying him $20 to $25 million would be a huge discout and help the franchise with trying to bring down their luxury tax penalties in future seasons.
Thompson has played well since moving to a reserve role and the Warriors have developed major momentum in the NBA standings over the last couple of weeks.