Klay Thompson’s Future With Golden State Remains Uncertain As Free Agency Looms

Klay Thompson looks poised to hit free agency on June 30 as he and the Golden State Warriors have yet to come to an extension.

The 34-year-old struggled this past season, even being moved to the bench as the Warriors never found their rhythm and missed out on the playoffs after losing the first game of the NBA Play-In tournament.

ESPN reported that Golden State offered the Splash Brother a two-year extension, but given his age and injury history, the shooting guard seems to want longer-term security. GM Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s hands are tied with how much money he can offer the Washington State alum. According to Sportac, the Warriors are 29th out of 30 in available cap space as PG Steph Curry’s cap hit exceeds $50 million, and the team still pays PG Chris Paul $30 million.

Many teams will be interested in Thompson on the open market as young, contending teams become flush with cap space. The Athletic reported that the Orlando Magic could make a run at the four-time champion as the team needs more playoff experience and shooting but has the financial ability to make the move.

However, Thompson’s Warriors era will not end until he signs on the dotted line. Last year, the team seemed destined to break up with PF Draymond Green after a decade with the Dubs, but he signed a four-year $100 million deal on the eve of free agency last season. Even though Golden State must get younger, losing the pillars of the franchise signals the fall of the Warriors dynasty after not making it out of the first round the last two seasons.

Paired with Curry, Thompson became part of one of the best backcourt duos in the history of the NBA. His microwave scoring led to him breaking the NBA record with 37 points scored in one quarter. He constantly rose to the occasion, earning the nickname “Game Six Klay” as his post-season success ushered in a ten-year dynasty, culminating in four titles.

Article by Jordan Silversmith