There’s no doubt that Klay Thompson has made that jump into the next level. As an elite player, he has the ability to play great defense as well as to score the ball in an array of ways. In the latest poll with all of the NBA’s GMs, Thompson was ranked second behind James Harden for the NBA’s 2014-15 top shooting guard. When there’s a player like this, compensation will be necessary.
While the professional side of athletes will say they’re plainly focused on winning, the financial aspect will stay on Thompson’s mind. According to Yahoo Sports’ Marc J. Spears, the stalled contract talks have created frustration for Thompson:
Klay Thompson’s camp is frustrated that the Golden State Warriors haven’t offered a maximum contract in their ongoing extension talks with Friday’s deadline nearing, sources told Yahoo Sports.
Thompson is seeking a maximum deal paying upward of $15 million per season, a source said. The Warriors have improved their offer to get in the vicinity but have not offered a full maximum contract, sources said.If Thompson and the Warriors do not come to terms on an extension by the Halloween deadline, he will be a restricted free agent next summer.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob has yet to become comfortable offering a maximum extension, sources said. A source close to Thompson said any offer shy of a max would be “absurd” considering his improvement and the influx of money to come to NBA teams from the next television contract.
Through the summer and the previous eight preseason games, Thompson has shown glimpses of greatness – even going for 35 points versus the Denver Nuggets. Not only is it frustrating for Thompson and his camp, it also causes panic for the Warriors fans. This season, Thompson is set to only make $3 million.
To say the Warriors don’t want Thompson is completely absurd. Over the summer, the Warriors declined to include Thompson in the deal for Kevin Love. The Warriors have until Halloween to offer the extension Thompson wants or else he may take matters into his own hands.