Contract negotiations with Klay Thompson’s Warriors ‘frozen’; exit more likely – NBC Sports Bay Area and California

Klay Thompson’s move to another NBA franchise — a day Warriors fans never saw coming at the height of Golden State’s dynasty — now seems closer than ever.

Even if the Warriors extend a competitive offer to Thompson, it’s realistic that the five-time All-Star could decide to leave Golden State regardless, seeking a fresh start elsewhere, Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported Saturday, citing league sources.

Thompson could have gotten a fresh start with another franchise to escape some of the friction that built up with the Warriors over the past two seasons as the 34-year-old played out the final years of his $190 million contract. he signed in July 2019.

Slater’s report also notes that while a window remains open for Golden State and Thompson to negotiate a new deal before the official start of NBA free agency, talks between the Warriors and the sharpshooter are on point dead, with no contract offers currently on the rankings. per league sources.

Thompson is seeking a contract offer of at least three years, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole, although the path to reaching the desired deal could prove difficult.

The deal for Thompson may not be what the four-time NBA champion envisioned, with the Orlando Magic – one of the leading suitors for his services – reportedly unwilling to extend the sought-after three-year deal by the 34-year-old.

The timeline for the rest of the Warriors’ dynastic core is important to note, as Steph Curry, coach Steve Kerr and defensive anchor Draymond Green will be signed for the next two seasons, with the latter having a player option for a third season .

With the futures of Curry, Green and Kerr uncertain beyond the 2025-26 NBA season, it would make sense that Golden State would be hesitant to extend a deal with Thompson that doesn’t fit with the rest of the franchise’s key pieces.

Anything is possible over the next few weeks, but with how things are shaping up, Warriors fans may need to prepare for a brutal reality where Golden State’s legendary Big Three won’t go to bed together of the sun.

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