Report: Klay, Warriors remain far apart amid extensions talks
The Golden State Warriors and star guard Klay Thompson are struggling to find common ground as there's a significant gap between the sides in extension talks, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Thompson is looking for the Warriors to add years and salary to his next contract, Sharania adds.
The four-time NBA champion impressed last season, leading the NBA in total 3-pointers (301) and ranking second in 3-pointers per game (4.4) behind teammate Steph Curry. It was a solid performance for Thompson after injuries held him out for the entire 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns and sidelined him for a good portion of the 2021-22 season.
Thompson will earn $43.2 million this upcoming campaign, the final season of a five-year, $189.9-million deal signed in July 2019. If the sides can't agree on a new contract, Thompson will become one of the headliners in a 2024 free-agent class that could also feature Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam.
The 2023-24 season could be the final year Golden State features many of the familiar faces from its incredible decade-plus run. Team president and general manager Bob Myers stepped down in May. Head coach Steve Kerr is also entering the final year of his contract.
Alongside stars Draymond Green and Curry, Thompson is a beloved figure in Golden State and considered part of the nucleus of one of the most prolific trios in league history. The Warriors signed Green to a four-year, $100-million contract in July.
Thompson averaged 21.9 points, 2.1 assists, and a career-high 4.1 rebounds over 69 games last season.