Klay, Warriors engaged in tense standoff ahead of NBA free agency

Klay, Warriors engaged in tense standoff ahead of NBA free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — A longtime NBA agent told me years ago, during the Warriors’ dynastic run, that Golden State CEO Joe Lacob might be the most competitive owner in the league. That he wants to win “everything.”

Not only championships, but also contract negotiations.

This assertion has proved ever more credible over the years, and it sheds light on the increasingly taut matter of the Warriors and soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Klay Thompson.

The Warriors are sincere in their desire to retain Thompson — but on terms they consider a good value. Lacob has proven he will pay, but also that he wants to win the investment.

“We want him back,” Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said Monday in his pre-NBA draft press conference. “We’ve said that all along. Hopefully he’ll come back. But as far as the specifics and discussions and those types of things, I think it’s important to keep in-house and that stuff. When we figure out a solution to all that, we’ll have news for you.”

Meanwhile, Golden State is exuding patience at the level that only comes when believing there is a reasonable chance of being rewarded.

They’re willing to wait, to let Thompson and his representatives explore the market and see what’s available. The Warriors have drawn a line in the sand and won’t voluntarily cross it. Won’t even consider crossing it unless provoked, at which time they might recalibrate.

Might.

It’s a form of chicken, the game in which, for example, two drivers set off on a collision course to see which one moves to avoid the other. Except this involves two groups with clear differences that will remain in place until one compromises.

Despite Thompson’s tremendous contributions to the greatest years the franchise has ever experienced, this strategy is risky but logical. The Warriors don’t know Klay’s precise value on the market, and neither does Team Thompson. What is known is that the two sides do not agree.

It also has become obvious that the warmth of past glory matters, but it’s not a…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/klay-warriors-engaged-tense-standoff-141630053.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-06-25 14:16:30

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