Klay Thompson likely to test restricted free agency
By Josh Hill
The Golden State Warriors refused to allow Klay Thompson to be discussed in any deals that would have landed them Kevin Love, and it appears that they likely made the right move.
More from Golden State Warriors
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- Steph Curry still defends Kevin Durant: ‘Most misunderstood dude’ in the NBA
- NBA Rumors: Warriors, Lakers among contenders for key free agent
- Warriors projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
- Draymond Green blasts Kevin Garnett after falling for a fake tweet
But now that they’re keeping him, the Dubs need to figure out how to make sure they can retain him and re-sign him in the offseason, which is a lot easier said than done.
According to Steve Kyler from Basketball Insiders, the Warriors are unlikely to work anything out with Klay Thompson before the deadline to do so and restricted free agency is more than likely the best option for both sides.
"There has been a lot of talk that Thompson is seeking a near max level extension and that seems unlikely given the $12 million Steph Curry earns. It is likely that Thompson and the Warriors do not reach a deal before the deadline, unless he comes off his asking price. Restricted free agency seems more likely, especially with all the changes the team has made on the coaching front."
Losing Thompson is not something that is likely to happen, as even if he enters restricted free agency this season, the Dubs will do everything and anything they can to make sure he is retained. It will be leaving it up to the market to name a price on Thompson, which means a max deal more than likely, but losing Thompson won’t happen.
Be sure to check FanSided.com’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.