Stephen Curry found himself in a delicate situation regarding Klay Thompson’s contract negotiations. Thompson had one request for Curry amid the talks: not to pressure the Warriors’ front office into re-signing him. Despite Thompson’s plea, Curry took it upon himself to have a conversation with the Warriors’ management. In an exclusive interview with The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Curry disclosed the essence of his discussion with Joe Lacob and the front office.
“We want Klay back. I’m not going to tell them what number it is. I’m not going to tell them. Again, part of the way we operate is that there’s always conversation.”
“When anything changes, I just want to know what’s up, to know where everybody stands. It’s not like I’m telling everybody how to think or act, because we all get paid to do our separate jobs.”
“But, yeah, I hope that when it comes to the way organization handled it, that when we look back at it, it’s more of a two-way street conversation of what Klay needed and what the organization needed, and that there’s some middle ground there, because this is a very emotional thing all the way around. The first one of us three to go.”
Curry emphasized that they want Klay back to the Warriors’ brass. He clarified that he wasn’t dictating specific contract numbers or terms but expressed a desire for open communication about the negotiations. Curry believed that both the organization and Thompson needed to find a middle ground, considering the emotional significance of the situation.
He hoped for a “two-way street conversation” that would address the needs of both parties, highlighting the emotional weight of being the first among the core trio to potentially leave.
Despite Curry’s efforts and his influential position within the team, the departure of Thompson seemed inevitable. The contract talks did not result in a mutual agreement, leading to Thompson signing a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks as part of a complex sign-and-trade deal involving six teams. This marked the end of an era for the Warriors, as Thompson became the first key member of their championship-winning core to leave.
Curry, reflecting on the situation, understood the necessity of a fresh start for Thompson. Although it was hard to see his longtime teammate move on, Curry acknowledged that the change might be beneficial for Thompson. The departure underscored the transient nature of the NBA, where even the strongest bonds and most successful partnerships can be subject to the business dynamics of the league.
In the end, Curry’s intervention highlighted his commitment to his teammates and the team’s success, even if it couldn’t alter the final outcome. As the Warriors look to the future, Curry remains the cornerstone, but the absence of Thompson marks a significant shift in the team’s dynamics and their journey ahead.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
