According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne and Kendra Andrews, two weeks prior to his departure, Klay Thompson’s camp presented the Warriors with one final offer: a two-year contract worth approximately $20 million per season. The response from the Warriors remained consistent with their stance over the past year:
“We just can’t do it yet.”
Ultimately, Thompson decided to leave the Warriors and sign with the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract. This move marked the end of his illustrious 13-year tenure with Golden State, during which he secured four NBA titles and made six NBA Finals appearances.
Before the start of the previous season, the Warriors had initially proposed a two-year, $48 million extension to Thompson. However, he declined the offer, believing he was worth more and betting on himself to prove it.
Unfortunately, Thompson experienced one of his worst seasons statistically. He finished the season averaging 17.9 points per game (the third-lowest of his career), 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. His shooting percentages were also subpar, with 43.2% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range (the second-worst mark of his career).
The Warriors, facing financial strain, could not justify meeting Thompson’s contract demands. Over the past three seasons, they had paid more than $510 million in luxury taxes, including over $176 million last season alone, which resulted in a disappointing 10th-place finish in the Western Conference and an exit in the play-in tournament. The significant luxury tax burden and the team’s underwhelming performance made it difficult for the Warriors to commit to Thompson’s requested terms.
Thompson, seeking a fresh start and a new opportunity, chose to join the Mavericks. This decision allowed him to continue his career in a different environment, where he hoped to reinvigorate his performance and contribute to a team with playoff aspirations. While it was a bittersweet end to his time with the Warriors, Thompson’s departure signaled a new chapter for both him and the Golden State franchise.
Klay Thompson And Draymond Green Weren’t Pleased Warriors Gave Jordan Poole And Andrew Wiggins Contract Extensions
According to a report by Ramona Shelbourne and Kendra Andrews, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green were reportedly displeased when the Golden State Warriors prioritized contract extensions for Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins.
When Thompson returned to the lineup in 2022, Poole moved back to a bench role, despite his impressive performance as a starter during Thompson’s absence. This transition created tension, exacerbated by the Warriors’ decision to extend Poole’s contract for four years at $140 million and Wiggins’ contract for four years at $109 million.
This move, which came the summer after the Warriors won the 2022 NBA Championship, did not sit well with veterans Thompson and Green. They felt overlooked and disrespected, as the organization seemed to prioritize the younger players over the seasoned stars who had been instrumental in the team’s success.
Fast forward to 2024, the Warriors’ situation has evolved significantly. Jordan Poole was traded to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Chris Paul after chemistry issues emerged, highlighted by the infamous practice punch from Green to Poole. Wiggins, meanwhile, has struggled to replicate his peak performance from previous seasons.
The Warriors’ decision to focus on the younger talents didn’t yield the desired long-term stability. Poole’s departure and Paul’s subsequent waiver, combined with Thompson’s exit, meant the team lost significant assets without much return.
Draymond Green did secure an extension, signing a four-year, $100 million contract last season, ensuring his continued presence with the team. However, Thompson, feeling undervalued, chose to leave after failing to secure the contract he desired from the Warriors.
The fallout from these contract decisions underscores the complexities of balancing the needs of a team’s established stars with its emerging talents. The Warriors, in attempting to build a future-proof dynasty, ended up facing significant internal strife and roster instability.
This period marked a challenging chapter for the franchise, as they navigated the departure of key players who had once formed the backbone of their championship success.
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