As per NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, there appears to be tension brewing between Klay Thompson and Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob.
The strain in Thompson and Lacob’s relationship reportedly stems from ongoing contract negotiations, particularly as Thompson’s impending free agency looms this summer.
Lacob’s decision not to offer Thompson an extension this season seems to have exacerbated the situation.
“Thompson always knew he would likely have to wait until his free agency arrived this summer, what with Lacob’s well-chronicled hopes of ducking under the second (and possibly first) luxury tax apron compelling them to let the roster landscape fully unfold before adding salary,” Amick wrote. “But it’s clear their relationship has suffered some strain along the way, with league sources indicating that Thompson has received no assurances from on high that his hopes of retiring happily in a Warriors jersey someday will be a shared priority this summer. Both sides, it seems clear, have no clarity about what might happen when that time rolls around.”
Despite being one of the NBA’s premier shooters, Thompson’s statistics this season include averaging 16.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, with shooting percentages of 42.0% from the field, 37.8% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 92.2% from the free-throw line.
NBA reporter Kendra Andrews of ESPN reveals that despite the tension, Thompson remains open to re-signing with the Warriors on a short-term contract.
In a revealing incident, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr disclosed to Andrews that Thompson expressed his frustration vocally when he was removed from the starting lineup. However, Thompson later apologized to Kerr and the assistant coaches after tempers had cooled.
Kerr himself recently inked a two-year extension with the Warriors, securing his tenure through the 2025-26 season with a reported annual salary of $17.5 million. This extension effectively aligns Kerr’s contract with that of Stephen Curry, who also has two years remaining on his deal.
In light of these developments, there’s speculation, as noted by Andrews, that structuring Klay Thompson’s contract to coincide with Curry and Kerr’s timelines could be a strategic move for the Warriors moving forward.
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