Blue Man Hoop
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Poor postseason likely to put contract extension in jeopardy for Golden State Warriors’ star

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 28: Klay Thompson #1 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors sit on the bench at the end of their loss to Sacramento Kings in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Chase Center on April 28, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 28: Klay Thompson #1 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors sit on the bench at the end of their loss to Sacramento Kings in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Chase Center on April 28, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Klay Thompson’s poor finish to the season is likely to reduce the chances of a contract extension for the Golden State Warriors’ star, with the franchise facing a plethora of offseason decisions that includes the 33-year-old shooting-guard.

The five-time All-Star has one-year, $43.2 million left on the max deal he signed during the 2019 offseason. Although the Warriors will primarily be occupied with re-signing Draymond Green, talks between the franchise and Thompson’s management could ramp up ahead of training camp next season.

A disappointing playoff campaign is likely to restrict Klay Thompson’s ability to garner a contract extension from the Golden State Warriors this offseason.

Thompson’s value is now a source of debate after a poor postseason that saw Golden State crash out in the second-round against the Los Angeles Lakers. The four-time NBA champion averaged 18.8 points on just 38.8% shooting from the field, but even those underwhelming numbers fail to explain Thompson’s deteriorating form.

After 30 points in a Game 2 victory that helped the Warriors tie the series at 1-1, Thompson’s last four games saw scoring outputs of 15, 9, 10 and eight points. He shot 3-for-19 from the field in a disastrous Game 6 that led to Golden State’s elimination.

A disappointed Klay Thompson accepting the fate of the Golden State Warriors’ season. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
A disappointed Klay Thompson accepting the fate of the Golden State Warriors’ season. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Speaking after the Warriors’ elimination, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins said he doesn’t care about Thompson’s playoff form, believing he shouldn’t have to take a paycut to remain at the franchise that drafted him.

"“Why should Klay Thompson take a pay cut? Let’s be honest here, why should Klay take one? He doesn’t have to. There’s teams around the league that would actually give him a bag that he deserves and rightfully so.”"

Whether that last statement is true is up for debate, particularly given Thompson will be 34 by the time a potential free agency decision comes into play. Just like with Green in the coming weeks, Golden State will need to weigh up Thompson’s legacy at the franchise with his predicted future output.

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If he and the Warriors can’t come to an agreement this offseason, he’ll enter the following one as a free agent where Golden State would be at risk of losing one of the franchise’s greatest ever players.

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