Although Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors have not yet reached a contract extension, league executives allegedly think he will sign a four-year agreement that will pay him between $30 and $35 million a season.
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix stated that figure “sounds reasonable” considering Thompson’s current output and the Warriors’ determination to keep him, Draymond Green, and Stephen Curry together.
In July, Green agreed to a four-year deal worth $100 million, while Curry’s contract is valid through the 2025–2026 campaign.
Thompson’s recent history of injuries makes his contractual situation a little more hazy. After sustaining a ruptured ACL at the 2019 NBA Finals and a torn Achilles a year later, he lost 30 months of basketball play. For the first time since 2018–19, he played a full season in 2022–2023 and mostly found his offensive game again.
Although Thompson hit 41.2 percent from three-point range and averaged 21.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, the NBA has mostly caught up to his scoring ability. 36 players made at least 40% of their three-pointers last season, and 58 players averaged 20 points or more each game.
In contrast, there were only 22 players who shot 40% from three points and 35 players who scored 20 points in 2018–19. It’s safe to argue that Thompson’s value is significantly lower than it was when he signed his previous contract given his apparent decline in defense.
Not that Thompson believes that to be the case, mind you.
Thompson reportedly stated, “I think (my struggles were) a little overrated,” according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “Our team is currently under an extreme microscope. You must acknowledge that. I was not always a good shooter. I’m a person. Now, though, what? Even so, I shot 41 percent and led the league in made threes. That is absurd. more than 300 makes. I refuse to undersell myself. I am aware of how amazing that is. That’s a lot of work to do after an Achilles and an ACL.”
Despite his hard work, Thompson needs to improve his defensive lateral agility if he wants to earn $30–35 million annually in the modern NBA. That deal would appear to be an overpay if, by the time he reaches his mid-late 30s, he turns into a turnstile.