NBA Rumors: Warriors, Klay Thompson close to contract extension?

NBA Rumors: Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson could agree to a team-friendly contract extension this summer

If you were hoping that Klay Thompson’s departure next summer in free agency would mark the beginning of the end for the Golden State Warriors, I’ve got some bad news.

According to The Athletic, the Warriors and Thompson could agree to a “team-friendly” contract extension this summer.

So much for Thompson leaving Golden State next summer for the biggest bidder.

"[via The Athletic]"

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"According to multiple sources, Thompson and the Warriors have already engaged in discussions regarding a contract extension. If the sides agree this offseason, Thompson would not hit the free-agent market for up to another five years."

In addition to being locked up with Golden State for the foreseeable future, signing an extension this summer would likely end up saving the Warriors a good chunk of cash in luxury tax in the long run – as if Golden State needed any more help in remaining at the top of the NBA.

The Warriors are gunning for a fourth-straight NBA Finals appearance, the fourth against likely the Cleveland Cavaliers – unless the Boston Celtics manage to pull off what would be perhaps the biggest upset in NBA Playoffs history.

During the playoffs, Thompson is averaging 21 points and five rebounds on 45 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from 3-point range. He was huge in the team’s first-round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs without Stephen Curry in the lineup. During those five games, Thompson shot an absurd 50-plus percent from 3-point range.

In addition to locking up Thompson, the Warriors need to do the same for Kevin Durant – who can opt out of his contract after this season if he so chooses to do so.

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If they can lock up both Durant and Thompson for the next four or five years this offseason, they’ll be set up for the foreseeable future with this core. And that’s a potentially scary reality for the rest of the NBA.