Warriors Re-Signing Klay Thompson Could Hinge on 1 Major Contract Detail

The primary challenge for Klay Thompson in returning to the Golden State Warriors appears to be the length of the contract rather than the annual salary. The Warriors are inclined to offer Thompson a two-year deal, which is less than what he desires. He turned down a previous offer of $48 million over two years. Thompson, who is seeking a three-year contract, may find such an offer from other teams like the Orlando Magic or Philadelphia 76ers as free agency approaches.

Several factors contribute to the Warriors’ stance. Thompson, now 34, has a significant injury history, including a torn ACL and a torn Achilles tendon. Comparatively, teammates Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green received longer contracts, but Wiggins is younger, and Green signed his deal earlier without the same injury concerns. Additionally, the Warriors are navigating a more restrictive CBA and are cautious about committing to a contract that might become burdensome if Thompson’s performance declines.

Despite these concerns, Thompson’s legacy as an all-time great shooter, with notable career achievements such as ranking sixth in all-time three-pointers made, underscores his value. His performance in the 2023-24 season was inconsistent, but he showed potential for strong contributions, particularly towards the end of the season. The resolution of Thompson’s contract situation will likely hinge on the Warriors’ ability to negotiate a mutually acceptable term length.