Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors are not even close to reaching an agreement on a contract extension for the five-time NBA All-Star.
“I’m told that there has been absolutely no progress on a Klay Thompson extension in Golden State,” Wojnarowski said (starting at :15). “They are both still apart on years and money, and there’s a very real possibility that Klay Thompson goes into free agency next summer without a deal.”
The 33-year-old player is entering the final year of a contract that is worth a total of $189.9 million over five years.
Thompson expressed his emotions on the possibility of playing in the 2023–2024 season without an extension contract in place. He took precautions to guarantee that it would not become a source of distraction.
Thompson was quoted as saying, “It’s not going to be a thing,” by Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “Just the fact that I’m heading into my 13th season — that in and of itself — provides me with a great deal of mentаl ease. It is true that I have been successful in business; as a result, I am able to provide for my loved ones, as well as for myself and my family. However, when I first started playing this game, the concept that I was playing it because I was going to become famous and wealthy never crossed my mind. Never even tried.”
The four-time world champion is projected to earn little more than $43 million this year before becoming eligible for unrestricted free agency in the following offseason.
As a result of spending his whole career with the Warriors, Thompson is currently ranked sixth on the list of all-time scorers for the franchise. As a pro, he has also been successful with 2,213 of his attempts from beyond the arc, which places him 11th all-time in NBA history.
If Thompson were to test the waters of free agency, there would probably be no shortage of teams interested in signing him due to the fact that his ability to make a high volume of three-point shots allows him to fit effortlessly into almost any lineup.
Despite this, the former standout for Washingtоn State has communicated his desire on multiple occasions to continue playing for Golden State.
“I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else,” Thompson remarked (via Slater). To compete for just one team, huh, man? That is extremely unusual. In any sporting event. The three sports of football, baseball, and basketball. The Rules of Australia The game of football. It is insanity to play for just one club. It’s some true stuff from the annals of history. Even the actions taken by Udonis Haslem. He is highly regarded in Miami.
It remаins to be seen whether or not the two parties will move closer in their negotiations for an extension before the beginning of the regular season for the Warriors on October 24.