“We need Klay back…” Steve Kerr said after the Warriors were eliminated, “I know I speak for everyone in the organization. We want him back. Obviously there are things going on and they need to be discussed with Klay’s reps.. as good as he still is, we really want him back.”
It looks like Kerr might not get his wish.
As June approaches and NBA offseason activity begins to ramp up, the Warriors and Klay Thompson are no closer to an extension and he is moving toward free agency. reports Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
The Warriors maintain their desire to retain Thompson at the right price once other aspects of their roster reshuffle are clarified. But they haven’t exactly knocked on his door to work out the framework for an extension (which could be signed at any time). For his part, the 34-year-old Thompson appears ready to test the open waters and explore outside options for the first time in his career.
Thompson is said to have several suitors in free agency, but Slater notes he’s not just going to chase money, he wants to go to a team where he can win. Orlando has long been rumored to be interested, but other teams with cap space and looking for veteran players to win in the short term — Philadelphia and Oklahoma City, for example — could also be in the mix.
Golden State has roster issues it wants to resolve before extending/resigning Thompson. The Warriors need a second creator to take the pressure off Stephe Curry, a role Thompson used to fill at the All-NBA level, but he isn’t that guy anymore. Thompson still brings value, averaging 17.9 points per game and shooting 38.7% from 3 this season, but he was streaky and his shot creation and defense weren’t near their former levels. With the emergence of rookie Brandin Podziemski plus Moses Moody behind him, the Warriors aren’t taking a big step back without Thompson on the court.
Still, it would be strange to see the Curry Warriors without Thompson — or to see Thompson in any other uniform.
The question is of course about money. The Warriors may want a shorter deal to join Draymond Green, who signed a four-year, $100 million extension last summer. Would it take Thompson about three years and $65 million? Would a team like Orlando overstate that offer?
It will be an interesting summer in the Bay Area, with Thompson likely to move as well.
