May 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard
Klay Thompson(11) attempts shot defended by Los Angeles Clippers forward
Blake Griffin(32) during the first quarter in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
2. Klay Thompson
It’s all fine and dandy for Klay Thompson in Golden State. The Warriors opted not to trade their star shooting guard this offseason for Kevin Love, keeping him paired with backcourt partner Steph Curry for the time being.
All indications are that Thompson, who has two years left on his current contract, is looking for a max contract when his contract expires after the 2015-16 season. A max contact for Thompson would be $15.7 million, and based on the Warriors’ current salary cap, that could put the Warriors above $80 million in salary, which could have some negative implications, like going over the luxury tax, for the franchise, according to Matt Moore of CBS Sports.
This situation could get ugly if the Warriors don’t want to pay Thompson. It’s beneficial for Thompson and a new team to trade for Thompson and retain his Bird rights, rather than sign him outright in free agency.
Thompson is probably worth a max contract based on his lights out shooting and good defense, but is he really one of two, possibly three, best players on a championship team? Right now, the answer is no, and that’s why I’d hold off if I’m the Warriors and take my chances Thompson doesn’t leave in free agency.