Windhorst downplays concerns over Klay’s negotiations with Warriors

Windhorst downplays concerns over Klay’s negotiations with Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

There’s no need for Warriors fans to hit the panic button just yet regarding Klay Thompson’s contract negotiations.

At least according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who downplayed the concern about the longtime guard’s future with the team as he approaches unrestricted free agency in an appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show” Wednesday.

Windhorst explained what Thompson might be worth at this point in his career and what the five-time NBA All-Star might be prioritizing with his next contract.

“They tried to get something done before last season, they couldn’t agree and then Klay went out and didn’t have a very good year,” Windhorst said. “He had a good year by your average NBA player standard, he averaged 18 points and shot 39 percent on 3s. That type of production would probably get you $20-to-25 million.

“Klay was making over $40 million last year, so they want him to come down and wherever that number is they want him to come to — and the years, it’s not just the amount of money per year, it’s also the number of years — he saw Draymond [Green] and Andrew Wiggins get four. I don’t know exactly where these negotiations are, but if I were him I would ask for four too … I find it hard to believe that Klay would walk and go to a place like the Orlando Magic. But I guess it’s possible.”

Thompson recently unfollowed the Warriors on social media and removed many of his posts related to the team, which sent Golden State and NBA fans into a frenzy speculating about his potential departure from the organization.

While the tactic is not uncommon in today’s professional sports environment and oftentimes is used as leverage in negotiations, Windhorst didn’t rule out the possibility that the 2023-24 NBA season might have left a sour taste in Thompson’s mouth.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, this could still end up being a happy story,” Windhorst added. “But I would say, remember last year, Klay was getting benched at the end of games. He lost his starting job at some point. So part of this may be, and again I do not…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/windhorst-downplays-concerns-over-klays-212900258.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-06-18 21:56:57

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