The calendar moves to June this weekend. This is the final month of Klay Thompson’s current contract with the Golden State Warriors, and there remains a realistic chance that these are the final days of his 13 years with the organization. As the decision on his future nears, there has been no notable movement from either side toward a resolution, league sources said.
The Warriors maintain the desire to retain Thompson at the right price once other aspects of their team reorganization are clarified. But they haven’t actually knocked on his door to work out the framework for an extension (which could be signed at any time). In turn, Thompson, 34, appears ready to test the free agency waters, exploring external options for the first time in his career.
The last time Thompson was a free agent, in the summer of 2019, a quick max deal was done without drama: five seasons, no team or player options, no thorny negotiations, no flirting with rival teams.
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This is not the current landscape. Thompson spent the last month traveling and decompressing after an early and bitter end to a stressful season. But June is business time in the NBA. It’s time for Thompson and his representatives to figure out what options are really available to him, what he wants and what it would take for Golden State to lure him back. It will then be up to the Warriors to offer it or not.
Thompson wants to win. Don’t expect him to go after the biggest possible offer from the Detroit Pistons or Charlotte Hornets, even if it’s the right financial or leverage move. But there are plenty of cap-space teams with a clearer upward path than the Warriors. This includes the Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.
Thompson isn’t the biggest fish in free agency. Paul George, who has a player option with the Clippers next season, is probably the most attractive veteran on the open market. His decision to return to Los Angeles or flee elsewhere will have an impact on others. Thompson is one of many dominoes behind him, sitting somewhere in the Malik Monk/Kentavious Caldwell-Pope/DeMar DeRozan/D’Angelo Russell/Buddy Hield mix, depending on a team’s priorities.
Some of these cap-space teams will be sniffing around on their first, second, and even third options (and will likely know by mid-June) and will need to pivot. Thompson is always durable and precise. He played in 69 and 77 games over the past two seasons and made 569 3s at a 40 percent rate.
His age and injury history could deter a team from making a long-term commitment, but perhaps a shorter-term, bigger deal could please both sides, similar to Bruce Brown Jr’s structures . or Fred VanVleet of a summer. There is. This would give teams like the Thunder, Sixers or Magic – all of whom could have used his floor spacing in the playoffs – help now without a restrictive financial situation later.
Other circumstances could theoretically materialize, such as a sign-and-trade suitor or a non-taxpayer mid-level offer (expected to be in the $13 million range) on an attractive landing spot , but the winning cap-space teams emerge as the biggest. threats to take Thompson away from the Warriors in the simplest way.
It’s a volatile time for the Warriors coaching staff. Senior assistant Kenny Atkinson is one of the favorites to land the head coaching job in Cleveland. If Atkinson gets it, Steve Kerr – whose duties as Team USA head coach will take him into July – will have to fill a large vacancy next to him on the bench.
But, according to league sources, the Warriors are considering adding a coaching staff whether or not the Cavaliers hire Atkinson, which would follow the departures of Mike Brown and Jama Mahlalela in recent years and the tragic loss of Dejan Milojević last January.
The Warriors have had a conversation with former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham in recent weeks, according to league sources. This is not expected to happen. But it’s a signal of the Warriors’ desire to add a big-name assistant, and it appears they’re looking for a former head coach or player to fill that role. If Atkinson leaves, they could add two assistant coaches. It remains a fluid time across the league in the coaching world.
Conversations about major personnel moves are only beginning to intensify around the league. The Warriors’ big offseason move last summer — trading Jordan Poole for Chris Paul — took place in a fairly condensed period in mid-June and was finalized on draft morning.
So there’s nothing imminent or even profound in the works, but deal days are fast approaching. It appears the Warriors front office is intent on being aggressive and willing to shake up the core, believing this group had a chance to stay together until the trade deadline and that didn’t even matter. resulted in a playoff berth.
How will this materialize? It’s difficult to decipher without knowing what they will be offered and how exactly they plan to handle the luxury tax. The Warriors have stated their desire to dodge it altogether, if the opportunity arises, but indicate they will stay there if there is a move that they believe puts them back in contention. Which move or which player would be eligible? Could this end up being a down season even if the message isn’t sent that way?
We discussed some of the Warriors’ options on our offseason preview podcast. Two quick situations to note: If Brandon Ingram hits the trade market, I wouldn’t expect the Warriors to show interest. If the Heat shops Jimmy Butler, I would expect the Warriors to enter the conversation at least to some extent.
Here are three June dates that matter.
- June 24: Kevon Looney’s contract increases from $3 million guaranteed to $8 million guaranteed unless he is released.
- June 27: It’s the second round of the NBA Draft. The Warriors acquired the 52nd pick from the Indiana Pacers in the Cory Joseph trade in February. They have spent the last few weeks recruiting a group of veteran college players who are shaping up to be potential second-round picks.
- June 28: Chris Paul’s entire $30 million contract is guaranteed by this date. If both parties agree, it can be postponed. From all indications, Paul has been extremely professional and willing to work with the Warriors through all possible options that can materialize with his flexible contract situation.
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(Klay Thompson Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)