Warriors guard Klay Thompson, and his father Mychal, have both expressed his wishes to stay in Golden State for the rest of his career.
A couple of key Warriors will need contract extensions over the next two years, and that begins with Klay Thompson who’s current deal expires at the end of the upcoming season.
Klay is an essential piece of Golden State’s success on both ends of the floor, and he’s coming off of his most efficient year where he hit a career-high 44% of his three-pointers with a another career high in true shooting percentage at 59.8%.
The front office would obviously love to keep the four-time All-Star and three-time champion who has spent his whole career with the Warriors, but it’s gonna cost them.
If Thompson re-signs this offseason, Golden State could keep him on a five-year deal worth $102 million. However, Klay would be eligible for a five-year contract worth $188 million if he plays out the final year of his contract and becomes a free agent in 2019.
Thompson spoke with the Bay Area News Group about that topic this weekend when asked about his willingness to agree to an extension:
"“It’s tough to say,” said Thompson during the kickoff party of the first annual Thompson Family Foundation Golf Tournament. “I’d definitely be interested (in agreeing to an extension). But at the end of the day, I’m going to be a free agent in 2019. Number one on my list would obviously be to stay with the Warriors.”"
Klay also mentioned that his preference would be to remain in Golden State “for life.”
"“I’ve said it many times before: I would like to be a Warrior for life. Contract negotiations are way down the line. But I think we all have the same interest. I would love to be here for the rest of my career.”"
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Judging from these comments, it doesn’t sound like a contract extension is imminent. However, it’s clear that Klay wants to continue winning championships in Golden State.
Klay’s father Mychal has also weighed in on his son’s contract situation.
In June, Mychal Thompson said that Klay will likely become a free agent in 2019. But he echoed his son’s sentiments at last weekend’s charity golf tournament that Klay will “retire in the Warriors’ uniform.”
The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson has also reported that Klay may be willing to take a pay cut in the upcoming contract extension negotiations.
The rumors of Klay joining his father’s old team in Los Angeles seem to be on the back burner as Thompson has repeatedly told reporters that he desires to stay with the Warriors forever.
The only real questions that remain are when will this deal get done, and how much money will Golden State have to spend in order to make Klay’s dream of retiring a Warrior come true.