The Golden State Warriors are currently facing a stalemate in contract extension negotiations with their esteemed shooter, Klay Thompson. According to The Athletic, discussions have stalled, leaving Thompson, 34, approaching the status of an unrestricted free agent on June 30.
Thompson has been a cornerstone of the Warriors since being selected with the 11th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Over the years, he has evolved into one of the league's most formidable shooters, earning five NBA All-Star selections, two All-NBA Third Team honors, and an All-Defensive Second Team nod. His contributions have been pivotal in securing four NBA championships for the team.
However, Thompson's journey has not been without challenges. Severe injuries in 2019 and 2020 have taken a toll on his performance. The once lightning-fast defender has seen a decline in his ability to play the point of attack, and his signature 3-point shooting has been affected. This season marks the first time Thompson has struggled to hit three-pointers consistently, with his current shooting percentage dropping to 38.7%, the second-lowest in his career.
The Warriors now face a critical decision: whether to invest in retaining a veteran talent whose recent performance has waned or to explore other options as Thompson considers his next move.
Reference(s):
Extension negotiations between Klay Thompson, Warriors, freeze
cgtn.com
