What has been increasingly clear for more than a year became clear Tuesday night to Kings knock Warriors out of group stage of playoffs: If Golden State wants to make the most of Stephen Curry’s remaining years and pursue another ring – and it does – then a roster move is in order necessary.
This could mean that Klay Thompson and Chris Paul will wear different uniforms next season.
Thompson will be the most shocking – he, Curry and Draymond Green were the core fan favorites on four championship teams from the Golden State. It would be strange to see him in another uniform. However, while Curry and Green are under contract for a few more years, Thompson is a free agent this summer.
“We need Klay back…” coach Steve Kerr said after the loss to the Warriors, via NBC Sports . Bay area. “I know I represent everyone in the organization. We want him back. Obviously there’s business at hand and that has to be addressed with Klay’s representatives… as good as he still is, we desperately want him back.”
What the Warriors need most is a second shot creator to take the pressure off Curry, a role Klay Thompson used to fill at an All-Star level, plus he was an elite defender. However, two major injuries (ACL and Achilles) and a few years later, Thompson is not that guy anymore. He remains a quality NBA player who can shoot the rock and averaged 17.9 points a game shooting 38.7% from 3 this season. He’s had big games this season, but he’s also had clunkers, like the 0-of-10 shooting against the Kings on Tuesday.
As it always does, it will come down to money. What is Thompson worth to a team trying to lower its tax bill, which for next season is already at $174 million without accounting for Thompson or Gary Payton’s player option? Or just filling out the roster. Would the Warriors offer, and would Thompson be willing to accept, something in the $18-$20 million a season range, solid starter money? What would he do if Orlando or another team came in over the top with a bigger offer? Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Thompson is ready to explore the market.