Klay Thompson is just about the only member left of the Warriors’ superstars not to get a big payday. Steph Curry finally got his this summer with a deal that was at the time the largest in NBA history.
Players across the league celebrated the deal, and Warriors fans were also excited when Kevin Durant re-upped with the team as well. But Thompson still hasn’t seen the big contract many feel he deserves, and that isn’t likely to change now that KD and Curry are locked up by Golden State.
Thompson’s importance to the Dubs is often understated, and he didn’t have a fantastic postseason. But the Warriors clearly value his presence and shooting, setting up an interesting situation when it comes to his potential free agency. He could absolutely make more money on the open market and become the centerpiece of a franchise that’s not in the Bay area, but thus far, he has not shown any indication he wants or needs that spotlight.
Thompson was asked about taking a discount on his potential next deal with the Warriors, and he actually seemed open to it. Thompson made an appearance on The Athletic’s Warriors podcast with Marcus Thompson and Tim Kawakami and said he’s considered taking a smaller contract in order to stay with Golden State.
“I probably could, yeah,” Thompson said. “That much? I don’t know. I don’t make as much as Kevin off the court.”
The line about Durant’s endorsements is funny, but it’s a very real factor here. Thompson isn’t quite as marketable as the other Warriors stars, who can certainly supplement their income with other deals. Still, Thompson said he was focused on keeping the team together.
“It’s a blessing whatever contract I sign,” Thompson said. “I would definitely consider it cause I don’t want to lose anybody.”
His father seems to think he’s sticking around Golden State, too, and famously predicted at the Warriors’ victory parade that the Dubs could win another four titles in five years. To do that, though, he’d almost certainly have to take a discount. If that money is worth the rings, though, expect him to take a few million less for the team.
