Report: Klay could seek fresh start now that Warriors contract talks are ‘frozen’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Klay Thompson is gearing up for a new NBA franchise – a day Warriors fans never saw coming at the height of Golden State’s dynasty – now seems closer than ever.
Even if the Warriors make a competitive offer to Thompson, it’s realistic that the five-time All-Star could decide to leave Golden State anyway in search of a fresh start elsewhere, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Saturday, citing to competition sources.
Thompson could reportedly pursue a new beginning with another franchise to escape some of the friction that has built up with the Warriors in recent seasons as the 34-year-old played out the final years of the $190 million contract he signed. signed in July 2019. .
Slater’s report also notes that while a window remains open for Golden State and Thompson to negotiate a new deal before NBA free agency officially begins, talks between the Warriors and the sharpshooting guard have stalled, without a contract offer currently on the rankings. resources per competition.
Thompson is looking for a contract offer of at least three years, although the path to reaching that desired deal could prove difficult.
The market for Thompson may not be what the four-time NBA champion had in mind, with the Orlando Magic – a primary suitor for his services – reportedly unwilling to extend the three-year offer the 34-year-old is seeking.
It’s important to note the timeline for the rest of the Warriors’ dynastic core, as Steph Curry, coach Steve Kerr and defensive anchor Draymond Green are signed for the next two seasons, with the latter having a player option for a third season .
With the futures of Curry, Green and Kerr uncertain beyond the 2025-2026 NBA season, it would make sense for Golden State to be hesitant to extend a deal with Thompson that doesn’t align with the rest of the franchise’s core pieces .
Anything is possible in the coming weeks, but the way things are going, Warriors fans may have to brace themselves for a brutal reality in which Golden State’s legendary Big Three don’t ride off into the sunset together.
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