Klay Thompson will be a free agent this season. He could still return to the Golden State Warriors, with whom he has played all 13 of his NBA seasons. However, the team wants to bring him back for less than the $38 million annual salary he averaged under the five-year contract that just expired.
The four-time NBA champion may have signaled how he sees his basketball future by unfollowing the Warriors on Instagram and removing virtually all photos and references to the team from his account. Observant fans noticed the change, which was then reported by SFGate’s Gabe Lehman.
The 34-year-old Thompson reportedly turned down a two-year extension worth $48 million last year, which certainly shows he’s not keen on taking a nearly 50% pay cut. Maybe he also wants a longer contract.
Athletes unfollowing their teams on social media, especially during contract disputes, is nothing new, nor is it an indication that a player plans to move elsewhere. The most recent example is Brandon Aiyuk unfollowing the San Francisco 49ers in April as he tried to work out a new contract with the team. But this probably indicates some frustration or is a passive-aggressive attempt to make a statement.
This season, Thompson played in 77 games for Golden State, averaging 17.9 points and 2.3 assists while shooting 39% on three-pointers. Several NBA teams would likely be interested in adding that kind of production, but may have reservations about his health after he missed two full seasons with knee and Achilles injuries.
Thompson has since played two full seasons (in addition to 32 games in 2021-2022). But his 0-for-10 shooting performance in the Warriors’ loss to the Sacramento Kings in their play-in game may have left a lasting impression on league executives.
While Thompson apparently wants a bigger contract than what the Warriors reportedly offered, he likely wants to end his NBA career on a winner rather than receiving a big payday from a losing team. Contenders who may be interested include the Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic.
Yet it also seems likely that Thompson’s market will be determined by what deals other free agents sign and what holes teams might try to fill accordingly.
