Klay Thompson has been hearing all offseason just how valuable he is to the Golden State Warriors. The team continues to stress what an asset he is to the team as they attempt to make one last go at a trade for Kevin Love. The Warriors did not want to include Thompson in the trade deal despite the request of the Minnesota Timberwolves, but desperation made them add the guard into a deal at the last minute. While it appears no trade will be made, Thompson is now expecting Golden State to show him just how valuable he is in dollar amounts.
Thompson will be a restricted free agent come next summer and he is expecting a nice pay raise to come his way after he brings in $4 million this season. According to multiple reports, Thompson will be looking for a max contract in his next deal, but Golden State does not appear ready to grant that wish. Thompson has stated that he intends on playing for Golden State for a long time, loving the shared backcourt with Stephen Curry, but if the Warriors hesitate on a new deal, will he leave?
There is growing speculation over just how committed Golden State is to Thompson. Yes, they understand he is one of the best young players in the league and can be a true super star over the coming years. But will that be mirrored in zeros at the end of Thompson's pay check? According to Chuck Myron of HoopsRumors.com, it is expected that Thompson's next contract will fall short of a max deal. Myron believes Thompson is worth four years and $58 million. That is about $9 million short of the max deal he could be earning.
Thompson wanted to spend the offseason negotiating a new contract so he would not have to even think about hitting restricted free agency. It would also prevent him from getting traded. However, Golden State is not in any hurry to get the guard under contract, still holding out hope that a trade for Love will magically appear in front of them. This is not thrilling Thompson that much.
NBA.com writer David Aldridge believes there is concern regarding the current mindset of Thompson and David Lee. Both have been heavily included in the Love trade talks and their might be some animosity towards team owners. A trade for Love is likely not happening since the Cleveland Cavaliers are closing in on that move, but that does not mean both players are over the fact that they spent more time this summer seeing their name in headlines. Once the Love drama is over, the Warriors will refocus on retaining Thompson, but until then he must settle for the waiting game.
