Warriors owner “confident” he can bring back Klay and Durant

Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob is reportedly confident that he can bring back both Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson this offseason.

It’ll be difficult, but somehow the Golden State Warriors think they can bring back both Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson.

With just one max slot, the Warriors would have to sell their team, including crucial postseason defender Andre Iguodala, to bring back both stars. They’d also likely risk losing Draymond Green who would be up for a max contract the following season.

Earlier during the regular season, Thompson reportedly said that without a max he may take his talents to Los Angeles.

Being originally from Southern California, it wouldn’t be a shocker to see Thompson look at LA during his free agency period. However, being a Warrior his entire career, there’s no indication that Thompson would even consider leaving if they did offer him a max contract.

Coming off his fifth All-Star appearance and fifth-straight season of averaging 20+ per game, Thompson is certainly a max contract type of player. Given his credentials and his fit with the team, expect Thompson to both request and receive a max.

At the same time, Kevin Durant is 100% a max contract player as well. One of the top-three players in the league, Durant was on a tear, averaging over 34 points per game in the postseason prior to injuring his right calf.

After his calf injury, the Warriors went on to sweep the Blazers. That said, if they lose one, it’s almost guaranteed to be Durant. But, according to NBC Sports, owner Joe Lacob is reportedly ‘confident’ he can bring both back.

"“We love Klay and KD and intend to attempt to re-sign them. Period. I am confident about BOTH of them. But it is their choice to do what is best for them. They have earned that right.”Our goal is to keep our team together. We are pretty good.”"

It’s an ambitious goal. He’ll either have to trade Iguodala (or hope he retires) and then not bring back or trade several players like Shaun Livingston, Jonah Jerebko, Jacob Evans, Alfonzo McKinnie and Damian Jones along with potentially allowing DeMarcus Cousins to walk as well.

Even then, Lacob would be looking at potentially a record-breaking luxury bill. But, given how much Durant’s presence brings in, it may be worth it.

Ultimately, Lacob is the owner, and if he can drop the money on both Durant and Thompson, might as well make an attempt to bring both superstars back for another year.