Extension talks between the Warriors and five-time All-Star wing Klay Thompson are at a standstill, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Speaking on NBA Countdown Sunday night (video link), Wojnarowski indicated that Thompson could very well wind up on the free agent market next summer.
“I’m told that there has been absolutely no progress on a Klay Thompson extension in Golden State, that they are still apart on years and money,” he said. “There’s a very real possibility Klay Thompson goes into free agency next summer without a deal.”
Thompson is entering the final season of his current five-year, $189.9M contract. He’ll make $43,219,440 this season.
His maximum salary in an extension projects to be upwards of $50M, but it’s highly unlikely he’ll command the max as he enters his age-34 season. Thompson is eligible to sign an extension until June 30.
Golden State, of course, has salary concerns, though it has regularly been willing to pay punitive luxury taxes. However, the creation of the second tax apron in the new CBA puts the Warriors’ front office in a more difficult spot.
Including Chris Paul‘s $30M non-guaranteed contract, Golden St. is at the luxury tax and $20M below the second apron next year, ESPN’s Bobby Marks tweets.
Major injuries sidelined Thompson for the better part of 2 1/2 seasons. He bounced back last season to start 69 regular-season games, in which he averaged 21.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He made 41.2% of his 3-point attempts, right in line with his 41.6% career average, while knocking down a career-high 301 shots from beyond the arc.
If he can deliver a similar season, Wojnarowski believes Thompson will be valued on the free agent market despite his age.
“You know in the marketplace teams value shooting, they value high-level wing defense,” he said. “For Golden State, this has a chance to become the first real test of keeping together that core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.”
Former top Warriors executive Bob Myers, who also appeared on the show, believes Thompson would like to finish his career with Golden State.
“This is a delicate negotiation,” Myers said. “From what I know and see, he wants to stay and they want him to stay. Doesn’t mean it will happen. But it is a test … and this is probably the first real test.”
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