There has been a lot of focus on the future of the Golden State Warriors this offseason. They are coming off their fourth NBA Championship in eight years, but the 2022-23 season could be the last one that their original core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green play together.
Both Thompson and Green have player options for the 2022-23 season and at this point, it is anyone’s guess how things will unfold when it comes to those. Golden State has already extended Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins, making it difficult to imagine that both Green and Thompson will be extended as well.
While ownership has shown a willingness to pay exorbitant amounts of money to win, there is a line even they cannot go over.
They seem to be getting close to it as they have spoken openly about wanting to keep everyone but it not being financially possible. This offseason we saw the impacts of that with Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II leaving in free agency.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson & Golden State Warriors Updates
While all of the focus has been on Green, as he has been vocal about seeking a max contract, not much has been said about the future of Thompson. In a Q&A with NBA.com, he revealed that he has not yet talked to the front office about an extension. He was asked about how he believed it would play out and responded with the kind of confidence you would expect from him.
“I’m just going to do what I got to do to be the best I can be every day. I’m going to be a great player. I know what I’m capable of. I fully expect to earn another NBA contract, whether it’s this summer or next summer. I’m fully confident in my abilities. I’m not worried about an extension in the meantime because I know it’ll happen if I just do my job and I just be myself.”
Thompson made his return to the NBA last season after more than two years. His last appearance came during the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors when he tore his ACL. While rehabbing and making a return from that, Thompson suffered a ruptured Achilles that kept him sidelined another entire season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson & Golden State Warriors Updates
Last season was certainly an adjustment for him, knocking off more than two years’ worth of rust. He should be closer to his old self this season, more confident in his body not breaking down and getting back into a rhythm.
It is good timing for him, as he could opt out of his contract next summer and seek out another long-term deal as he will be 33 in February.
