‣ Thompson, at 34, is in the final season of a five-year, $189.9 million contract with the Golden State Warriors, with speculation about aligning him with Stephen Curry on a two-year deal among four executives.
‣ Despite shooting a career-low 37.9% from the 3-point range this season, Thompson’s performance, including a career-best 91.5% at the foul line and ranking fourth in made 3-pointers, continues to be a significant asset for the Warriors.
Story: Five NBA executives think Klay Thompson will get $20-25 million a year as a free agent. Three executives said $18-20 million annually. Previewing Klay’s free agency for the Warriors, including interviews with Thompson and Kevon Looney on @hoopshype.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto)
Details
Oh boy, the NBA rumor mill is churning again. This time, it’s all about Golden State Warriors’ guard Klay Thompson. Word on the street (or rather, a recent HoopsHype survey) is that he’s valued at a cool $20-25 million per year. That’s a hefty chunk of change, but then again, we’re talking about a five-time All-Star here.
Interestingly, opinions among the execs are a bit divided. While three of them pegged his worth at $18-20 million annually, the other five are leaning towards the $20-25 million range. And to think, he’s currently pocketing $43.21 million this season. Talk about a payday!
So, Klay’s at a crossroads, it seems. He’s wrapping up a five-year, $189.9 million contract he inked with the Warriors back in July 2019. Rumor has it, four execs are betting on Golden State trying to sync him up with Stephen Curry on a two-year deal. That’s one dynamic duo, for sure.
A tweet from Michael Scotto threw in his two cents, echoing the sentiment that Klay could be looking at $20-25 million a year as a free agent. But, you know how it is with these things. It’s all speculation until the ink dries on the contract.
One exec was quoted saying, “I see him at around $18-20 million a year.” But there’s a catch. They’re not sure Klay would bite, considering he values himself a bit higher. If the offers are all on the same level, though, they reckon he’ll stick with Golden State. Makes sense, given his tight bond with Steph and his preference for staying put.
Now, here’s where it gets juicy. Before the 2023-24 season kicked off, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated hinted that Thompson might snag a four-year deal, with each season bringing in $30-35 million. But that was then. His value’s a bit of a question mark now, especially after Draymond Green’s four-year, $100 million contract last July.
Mannix seemed optimistic, though. He wrote, “There is no sign of acrimony between Thompson and the Warriors. Bet on the two sides getting something done.” But given his performance this season, a four-year deal seems a tad ambitious. At least three execs think he’s worth less than $20 million per season now.
And here’s a kicker: Klay’s shooting stats have dipped a bit. Through 59 games, he’s averaging 17 points and hitting a career-low 37.9% from 3-point range. Yet, he’s also nailing a career-best 91.5% at the foul line. Plus, he ranks fourth in made 3-pointers this season. Not too shabby, right?
Remember that game against the Utah Jazz on Feb. 15? Klay came off the bench for the first time since his rookie year and absolutely killed it with seven 3-pointers and a season-high 35 points. That’s the first time a Warriors player from the second unit has hit those numbers since Ian Clark in 2017.
Klay’s all about the team, though. He told HoopsHype, “I’m all about winning.” He even nodded to Andre Iguodala’s sacrifice and Finals MVP win, though he’s not expecting to replicate that exactly. Still, playing 25-30 minutes a night and scoring at all three levels? He’s happy.
On that note, Thompson also joined an elite club on Feb. 15, surpassing 15,000 points with the Warriors. He’s now in the company of legends like Curry, Wilt Chamberlain, and Rick Barry. Quite the milestone.
And there you have it. The NBA rumor mill never stops, and neither do the debates. What’s next for Klay Thompson? Only time will tell.
