Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

3 most overpaid Golden State Warriors heading into next season

By Peter O'Keefe

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Klay Thompson #11 and Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate against the Washington Wizards at the Capital One Arena on March 27, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Klay Thompson #11 and Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate against the Washington Wizards at the Capital One Arena on March 27, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

Being classed as overpaid is hardly a complimentary narrative for NBA players, but the reality is that practically every team has at least one or two that fall into that basket. That’s no different for the Golden State Warriors who possess the league’s highest projected payroll for next season.

Although it may come with a negative connotation, being viewed as overpaid doesn’t discount the potential for incredible impact on a franchise. That’s particularly the case for Golden State given the veteran-nature of their team.

The Golden State Warriors will be hoping a couple of key players shake off the tag as being ‘overpaid’ heading into next season.

On Tuesday we had a look at the three most underpaid Warriors heading into next season, so let’s have a look at the other end of the spectrum here. Note: This takes into account 2023-24 salaries specifically, not the total amount over the course of a multi-year contract.

1. Klay Thompson – $43.2 million

There’ll always been a soft spot in the hearts of Warrior fans for Klay Thompson. You can argue that no amount of money can cover the joy and entertainment he’s delivered throughout his career, led by four NBA championships amid the best decade in franchise history.

But for next season, is this iteration of Thompson after two major injuries worth over $40 million? Unfortunately not. That’s the sort of money ideally reserved for All-NBA calibre players. It’s highly unlikely that the 33-year-old will ever become a top six guard again in order to claim such a standing.

Thompson had a good first full season back since the injuries, averaging nearly 22 points per game and shooting over 41% from three-point range. Offensively he’s not far removed from his prime years, but it’s the defensive end where the injuries have caused a decline.

Once one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, Thompson’s lost the lateral quickness to allow him to chase around the best opposition guards effectively. He’s still useful against forwards with his solid 6’7” frame, but he’s no longer the type of defender that once made him worthy of the money he’ll be earning next season.

Home/Warriors News