The trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr sent a clear message regarding Klay Thompson’s future with the Golden State Warriors following their recent loss to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament. Despite Thompson’s scoreless outing, missing all ten shots in what could potentially be his final game with the team, Curry, Green, and Kerr expressed their unwavering support for their teammate.
“I can never see myself not with those two guys. I understand this league changes and there’s so many things that go into it and we’re not going to play forever.”
“But we experienced so much together. At the end of the day, I know they want to win and I know I want to win and that’s all I worry about.”
Steph doesn't envision a future where he's not playing alongside Klay and Dray đź’™ pic.twitter.com/y2oociTPv3
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 17, 2024
Curry acknowledged Thompson’s desire to perform better but emphasized his belief in Thompson’s championship-caliber mentality. Despite the disappointing performance, Curry highlighted Thompson’s history of clutch performances and his integral role in the Warriors’ success over the years.
Thompson’s uncertain future with the team adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As he enters unrestricted free agency, both Thompson and the Warriors must navigate contract negotiations that align with their respective priorities and goals. Despite the challenges posed by Thompson’s injury history and advancing age, the Warriors remain committed to retaining him.
Draymond Green echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Thompson’s value to the team and the organization’s commitment to keeping him.
“He has a decision to make. He’s going to make the best decision for him. The team has a decision to make. They’ll make the best decision for the team.”
“I don’t think there’s any scenario where Klay leaves and that’s the best scenario for this team of organization.”
“They did right by me. They’ve done right by Steph. They’ve done right by all of us.”
Draymond Green on his belief the organization will prioritize Klay Thompson: “They did right by me. They’ve done right by Steph. They’ve done right by all of us. Klay tore his ACL and they gave him $160 million dollars.” pic.twitter.com/Px3jR74cQz
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 17, 2024
Green expressed confidence in the organization’s ability to make the right decisions and reiterated the importance of retaining Thompson as a key piece of the team’s core.
Coach Kerr echoed Curry’s sentiments, emphasizing Thompson’s importance to the franchise and expressing the organization’s desire to see him return.
“We need Klay back. I know he had a tough night tonight. I know I speak for everyone in the organization, we want him back. Obviously there’s business at hand and that has to be addressed.”
“But what Klay has meant to this franchise, as good as he is, we definitely want him back.”
"I know I speak for everybody in the organization: We want him back."
Kerr leaves no doubt about his desire for Klay to return next season pic.twitter.com/6PdoSjuwVs
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 17, 2024
Kerr emphasized the need for business considerations but underscored Thompson’s significant contributions to the team’s success over the years.
Thompson’s future remains uncertain as he contemplates his next move in the offseason. Despite the disappointing end to the season, Thompson’s resilience and track record of success positions him as a valuable asset for any team.
As the Warriors reflect on their season and plan for the future, the desire to retain Thompson remains a top priority for Curry, Green, Kerr, and the entire organization.
There Is A Way The Warriors Can Keep Klay Thompson And Get Below The Luxury Tax
The Golden State Warriors face a significant financial challenge if they hope to keep Klay Thompson while getting below the luxury tax threshold. With their payroll already exceeding $200 million and the luxury tax penalty expected to be around $100 million, the team must explore unconventional solutions to manage their finances effectively.
One potential avenue is for Thompson to sign a veteran minimum deal. However, this option presents its own set of challenges. Thompson won’t sign a veteran minimum deal, as he is still a good player in today’s NBA.
His performance, averaging 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, underscores his value on the court. Yet, his salary demands may exceed what the Warriors can afford under their current financial constraints.
The Warriors’ recent history with luxury tax penalties further complicates matters. Last year, the team paid a staggering $177 million in luxury tax penalties, signaling the extent to which they have exceeded league-imposed spending limits.
With such hefty financial burdens already in place, finding a way to accommodate Thompson’s contract demands while mitigating additional luxury tax penalties is a formidable task.
To keep Thompson and alleviate their financial burden, the Warriors must engage in strategic roster management and salary cap maneuvering. This may involve making difficult decisions regarding other players’ contracts, exploring trade options, or pursuing creative solutions to restructure existing deals.
Additionally, the team may need to prioritize cost-effective player acquisitions and development strategies to maintain competitiveness while adhering to budgetary constraints.
Ultimately, the Warriors’ ability to retain Thompson while getting below the luxury tax threshold hinges on their willingness to make tough financial decisions and their adeptness at navigating the complexities of the NBA salary cap system.
As they seek to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and on-court success, the organization must weigh the long-term implications of their financial commitments and ensure they remain competitive in a league where financial resources often correlate with success.
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