Star’s contract expectation could tip Golden State Warriors over the edge

The Golden State Warriors are currently in the midst of a playoff run many believe may be their last with this current core. With an exorbitant payroll and a new CBA that will further restrict the front office, the reigning champions are already close to a tipping point.

Things could heat up this offseason where the franchise has a number of key decisions that need to be made. That starts with a new deal for Draymond Green should he opt out of his player option for next season, not to mention a fresh contract for the man making the decisions — general manager Bob Myers. However, a third integral part of the Warriors’ dynasty run is also up for an extension.

Klay Thompson’s contract expectations could push the Golden State Warriors over the edge, particularly if they fail to make a sustained run this postseason.

Klay Thompson has one year and $43.2 million left on his current max contract signed during the 2019 offseason. The five-time All-Star is eligible for an extension this offseason, and according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, he isn’t keen on taking any sort of pay cut.

"“There’s a tremendous amount at stake for this Golden State Warriors organization in these Western Conference Playoffs…And especially for Klay Thompson, who I’m told has an expectation that he would be rewarded with a new max-level contract extension this offseason”, Wojnarowski said."

A new five-year deal would take Thompson to 39 years of age, which means it would be malpractice to offer him upwards of $45 million per season over that term. The issue for Myers and owner Joe Lacob is rewarding the historical greatness of Thompson and Green, while also considering their future output. For the players, it’s about balancing the desires to earn what they believe they’re worth, and being able to end their Hall of Fame careers at the franchise.

When the Warriors gave extensions to Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole during last offseason, there had to be an expectation that Green, and particularly Thompson, would take a chunk off their next contract. That’s fair given the advancing age of both players. However, who would deny the veteran duo of thinking they deserve more than their younger teammates? Both have played better and been more important than Poole, while also having to make up for the absence of Wiggins for 45 games during the regular season.

If the expectation of a max deal is indeed true, then perhaps it’s just posture to drive up the final price. It’s unrealistic for Thompson to expect a $200 million contact, but perhaps the same can be said for the franchise thinking he’ll take a significant slice off his current deal.