The Golden State Warriors have allegedly refused to part with Klay Thompson in trade talks, even if the package coming back nets them All-Star power forward Kevin Love. Clearly, the organization thinks highly of him but do they think enough to commit a max salary towards the swingman?
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They might need to if they plan to keep Klay Thompson in the Bay as the young guard is seeking a maximum contract extension, this according to Sam Amick of USA Today Sports.
"Meanwhile, Thompson’s agent, Bill Duffy, has been seeking a max deal in extension talks with the Warriors as well. And while Golden State would surely prefer that the stance eventually softens and leads to a more palatable deal, the fact that he is younger means a max for Thompson would start at $15.7 million and still allow for more flexibility in the Warriors future than a Love deal."
Klay Thompson seeking a maximum contract extension isn’t exactly shocking considering just about any pending free agent with talent asks for one. Whether he actually receives such will be another story, though given the interest in Thompson around the league you’d have to think a team would be willing to offer him such if he hits restricted free agency.
If the Warriors and Thompson are unable to come to a contract extension agreement this season, the former Washington State talent will become a restricted free agent though the Warriors would be given first right to match any offer he receives.
Of course, that’s assuming he isn’t traded which at this point seems questionable.