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Golden State Warriors begin ‘brief discussions’ on contract extension for star

By Peter O'Keefe

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Draymond Green #23, Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors laugh together after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Draymond Green #23, Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors laugh together after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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New Golden State Warriors’ General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has already put his imprint on the franchise, but his work isn’t yet done ahead of the team’s season opener against the Phoenix Suns on October 24.

Most notably the Warriors still have two vacant main roster spots and a pair of available two-way contracts, but Dunleavy and the front office will also have a job in securing a potential contract extension with a franchise star.

The Golden State Warriors have begun brief discussions on a contract extension for veteran shooting-guard Klay Thompson.

In a recent interview with Tim Kawakami of The Athletic, Golden State majority owner Joe Lacob revealed the franchise had begun discussions with Klay Thompson’s agent Greg Lawrence about an extension for the 33-year-old.

"“We’ve had some very brief discussions at this point with his agent. But they’re very, very early. … I fully expect that we’ll have some substantial discussions soon sometime and we’ll see if we can’t put something together that allows Klay to be here for a long time, which we clearly would like him to be.”"

Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on February 24, 2023. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on February 24, 2023. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Thompson has one-year and $43.2 million left on the contract he signed in 2019, meaning he’ll become an unrestricted free agent should he and the franchise not come to terms on an extension.

In a recent interview with SportsKeeda’s Mark Medina, Klay’s father Mychal preached the fact his son and long-time teammates Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Kevon Looney deserved to retire as Warriors.

Thompson would need to take a reasonable pay cut for an extension to take place this offseason. He may otherwise back himself to return to pre-injury form in 2023-24, potentially garnering a bigger deal from the Warriors or elsewhere come free agency.

Next. Analyst expects young forward to see out entire season with the Golden State Warriors. dark

Thompson is entering his 13th year after being drafted by Golden State with the 11th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. He is a four-time NBA champion, five-time All-Star and has already cemented his place as one of the franchise’s greatest ever players.

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