Klay Thompson had joined the Golden State Warriors in 2011. A year later, Draymond Green joined the gang as well. Stephen Curry had already been part of the Dubs since 2009. That’s how the main core of the modern-day dynasty came into form. Later, the trio helped the franchise end its 40-year title drought in 2015. That marked the turning point in the league as the Dubs became a real powerhouse. The team from the Bay Area started dominating the league. In 2016, they even got the best regular season record with 73-9. The previous best was of course, 1996 Chicago Bull’s 72-10. But it does not mean anything if they don’t have the ring.
The Warriors lost the NBA Finals to LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers. Anyway, they faced the same opponent again in the 2017 and 2018 Finals. On both occasions, the Dubs came out victorious. Those days, Kevin Durant was an integral part of the team. But after winning a couple of titles with the San Francisco-based team, KD left them. That was a big shock for the Dubs Nation. Now, it seems Klay Thompson is about to leave the franchise. Letting a franchise icon go would make the Dub Nation sad. But the latest rumors suggest Thompson is upset with GSW’s approach in free agency.
Why Is Klay Thompson Not Happy With Warriors Ahead Of Free Agency?
On Wednesday, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater joined The Morning Roast to discuss Klay Thompson’s current situation ahead of free agency. According to Slater, the Warriors have not been showing much of a thirst or desire to sign an extension with the veteran shooting guard. Moreover, the Dubs have not necessarily made Thompson their priority number one as they should have. The Athletic reporter says it can be understandable from the Warrior’s standpoint in cold-hearted business angle that locking down Thompson’s future is not their numero uno priority. But the player is Klay Thompson, after all.
Slater says the veteran shooting guard has pride in what he has been able to build with Green and Curry. It is the modern-day Dubs Dynasty, which won four titles in eight years. Moreover, Slater believes the statistical resume still says Klay is really good even now. Hence, the splash brother of Curry quite naturally expects to see the Dubs organization make him a priority. Moreover, in the past, the Warriors have made some players their priority, saying, “No matter what, we are keeping you part of this team for a long term.” That’s what perhaps is making Thompson feel unimportant or ignored. Anyhow, Slater added that his gut feeling says in the end the Warriors will re-sign their franchise icon.
Things Didn’t Look Good After The Play-in Elimination
The Dub Nation believed in the team that once they make the postseason, they will be able to go deep in the playoffs. But the Warriors could not make the playoffs. They lost to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in game. That was the end of their 2023-2024 campaign. Moreover, Klay Thompson had a scoreless outing against the Kings in the play-in tournament.
He had been very inconsistent throughout the season with his shooting average. In 2019, he signed a five-year extension worth a lucrative $190 million. This year, that contract will expire. Hence, Klay will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Chances are the Dubs will let go of their iconic shooting guard. He might explore offers from other teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and others.
Stay tuned with Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite NBA team.