Windhorst identifies key component to negotiations between Klay and Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors have a tough decision to make this summer regarding Klay Thompson.
The five-time NBA All-Star will hit the market as an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career when the free agency trading window opens on June 30 at 3 p.m. PST after he and Golden State were unable to reach an agreement in a contract extension last season.
Golden State has expressed a desire to re-sign Thompson, but after a disappointing 2023-24 season, it’s unclear exactly what the 34-year-old will be worth on the open market and how much the Warriors will be comfortable paying. to retain one of their franchise legends.
ESPN NBA Analyst Brian Windhorst joined “Get Up” on Monday, where he discussed Thompson’s contract and what he believes will be key to reaching a deal with the Warriors.
“I think the key here is that it’s not just the amount of money, but the number of years,” Windhorst said. “This is the same with Paul George. Kawhi Leonard took less than the maximum, but I think the key for Paul was that he took three years, not the maximum, which would be five. I think Paul George wants five, or at least four. Without No doubt, Klay will have to take a pay cut, he’s going to go down.
“But how many years can he get? Andrew Wiggins took a pay cut but was given four years. Draymond (Green) took a pay cut but was given four years. That’s the thing. I wouldn’t be scared if I was a Warriors Fan, I wouldn’t react exaggeratedly about this, but I think the negotiating season has fully begun.
Thompson taking a $43.2 million pay cut from his 2023-24 salary seems like a foregone conclusion in the eyes of many evaluators.
The length of his contract, however, could be the hurdle both sides must overcome to reach an agreement.