The Warriors have a tough decision to make regarding Klay Thompson this summer.
The five-time NBA All-Star will hit the market as an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career after failing to agree to a contract extension with the Golden State Warriors last season.
Golden State has made no secret of its desire to re-sign Thompson, but coming off a disappointing 2023-24 season, it’s unclear exactly what the 34-year-old’s market value will be and how much the Warriors would be willing to pay to retain one of their franchise legends.
ESPN NBA Analyst Brian Windhorst joins “Get Up” On Monday, he spoke about Thompson’s contract and what he thinks will be the keys to getting a deal done with the Warriors.
“I think the key here is not just the amount, but how long you’re signing for,” Windhorst said. “It’s the same with Paul George. Kawhi Leonard signed for less than the max, but I think the key with Paul was signing for three years instead of the max of five. I think Paul George wants five years, definitely four at least. Klay is going to have to take a pay cut. He’s going to go down.”
“But how many years can he sign? Andrew Wiggins took a pay cut but signed a four-year deal. Draymond [Green] “He took a pay cut, but he got a four-year deal. That’s the issue. I wouldn’t panic, and I wouldn’t overreact to this if I was a Warriors fan, but I think negotiating season is definitely on.”
Thompson taking a pay cut from his $43.2 million salary in 2023-24 seems like a natural progression in the eyes of many evaluators.
The Warriors can begin contract negotiations with Thompson the day after the NBA Finals end, but the free-agent negotiating period for other teams begins at 3 p.m. PST on June 30.
However, the length of his contract may be a hurdle both sides must overcome to reach an agreement.
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