There has been a developing conflict between Klay Thompson and Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob,
according to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic.
The continuing contract negotiations are said to be the cause of the pressure in Thompson and Lacob’s relationship,
especially with Thompson’s upcoming free agency this summer.
It appears that the problem has gotten worse because Lacob decided not to provide Thompson an extension this
season.
“Lacob’s well-documented hopes of avoiding the second (and possibly first) luxury tax apron compelling them to let
the roster landscape fully unfold before adding salary, Thompson always knew he would likely have to wait until his
free agency arrived this summer,” Amick wrote. “Yet it’s evident that their relationship has taken a hit along the
road. According to league insiders, Thompson hasn’t gotten any guarantees from the top that his dreams of retiring
in a Warriors uniform will be a joint priority this summer. It appears that neither side is certain of what will occur
when that moment comes.
Thompson, who is among the NBA’s best shooters, has averaged 16.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists this
season. He has also shot 42.0% from the field, 37.8% from beyond the arc, and an incredible 92.2% from the free-
throw line.
According to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, an NBA reporter, Thompson is still open to accepting a short-term contract to
return to the Warriors despite the conflict.
In a candid moment, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told Andrews that Thompson verbally vented his annoyance at
being left out of the starting lineup. But after things had calmed down, Thompson apologized to Kerr and the
assistant coaches.
With a rumored yearly salary of $17.5 million, Kerr just signed a two-year deal with the Warriors, guaranteeing his
position until the 2025–2026 campaign. With this extension, Kerr’s contract is almost in line with Stephen Curry’s,
who also has two years left on his agreement.
As Andrews points out, there is conjecture that the Warriors may make a strategic decision to arrange Klay
Thompson’s contract to align with Curry and Kerr’s schedules in light of recent events.
