Klay Thompson is approaching an important stage of his basketball career, with his contract with the Golden State Warriors set to expire at the end of this season.
Rumors are running around that the superstar guard and his team are way off on contract terms. After today’s loss to the Sacramento Kings, it is possible this could be the last time he is seen in a Warriors jersey.
When the Golden State Warriors went into Sacramento to face the Kings, few thought the dynastic Warriors would end the season this early. A humiliating loss to their cross-state rivals means the men in blue and yellow will close up their gates early.
It also means that Klay Thompson could very well have played his final game as a warrior. He was seen slowly pacing the court, soaking the atmosphere in, just as though someone knew that it very well could be the last time.
He wants to stay with the team he has been with throughout his career. However, not everything is black and white when it comes to contracts.
The Warriors have the worst salary cap situation of any team in the league. With all those salaries not bringing the success they were paying for, it is highly likely they want to sign their stars on a discount. Only then can they target players who can make them better.
This year has been a down season by Klay Thompson’s standards. This game against the Sacramento Kings was humiliating for him, as he ended the game scoreless. Therefore, he may not be able to justify his salary demands, which the Warriors may not want to meet.
Klay Thompson’s options before next season
Despite having a down year, Klay Thompson brings a few aspects of the game that are not easily available to many players.
For example, his ability to score off passes and his tenacious defensive ability on the perimeter. Add to that his years of playoff and championship experience, and he still has a lot to offer contending teams.
The only problem is his salary demands. Currently, he is being paid a little over $43 million. Even if teams want him to revert to his older self, the money involved is too much for any contender to fork out. After all, injuries have slowed him down considerably. Add to that his age, and his options might shrink.
If he does lower his demands, the Golden State Warriors should not hesitate to sign him back. If they prefer to move on, he will still command interest from playoff contenders looking to utilize his experience and scoring to their benefit.
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