GOLDEN GOODBYE
Klay Thompson ‘disrespected’ by Golden State Warriors contract offer as NBA star snubs $20m to target free agency
The Warriors are set to lose two guards this offseason
GOLDEN State Warriors superstar Klay Thompson is reportedly hitting free agency after feeling he was lowballed in contract talks.
The four-time NBA champion was drafted by Golden State in 2011 and has never played for another franchise.
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But an insider told NBA TV that Thompson, 34, is prepared to walk away after being offered $20 million annually.
"I know first hand that Klay [Thompson] is disappointed in where negotiations have gotten to this point," they said.
"To the fact that he's looking elsewhere, I believe the Warriors are probably offering him an annual $20 million-type of contract.
"Is he willing to walk away from that because he feels disrespected? It looks like he is."
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Golden State missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021 last season.
In the aftermath, Thompson praised his teammates for offering their support ahead of contract negotiations.
"It means a lot," Thompson told ESPN.
"I mean, we've been through the highest of highs and lows.
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"Whether it's losing a championship, winning a championship, missing the playoffs, we've been through everything together, so that does mean a lot.
"It makes me grateful to have the times I've had with them. Like, that was pretty historic stuff."
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ESPN says Thompson will have discussions with the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Fellow Warriors' guard Chris Paul has also hit free agency.
The 12-time All-Star was cut Sunday after Golden State failed to find a trade partner due to his $30 million contract.
Paul, 39, is set to join the San Antonio Spurs on a one-year deal worth $11 million.
What the new TV deal means for the NBA?
By The U.S. Sun's Assistant Sports Editor Damian Burchardt.
THE new TV rights deal is promising to be a humongous win for NBA players.
The league is set to more than double the revenue coming from its media partners, pocketing about $6.9 billion per year, which will inevitably lead to a huge salary cap spike in 2025-26.
That is going to send the value of player contracts skyrocketing.
Projected figures suggest we might see the first $100 million-per-year deal being signed soon.
Currently, Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown is projected to earn the highest single-season salary in NBA history, collecting $65.1 million in 2028-29.
It does feel like basketball fans would be on the losing side of the fight if the NBA and TNT indeed parted ways, though.
Inside the NBA is a one-of-a-kind sports entertainment show, as evidenced by ESPN's ongoing failure to come up with its own version of the program in recent years.
The NBA won't be the same without Kenny and Ernie trying to make sense of Shaq and Chuck's never-ending bickering every Tuesday night.
“He’s very eager and motivated for this opportunity to return to a starting role,” an insider said on NBA TV.
“He still believes that he’s a starter. He still believes he can play at an elite level.
"And he’s excited about the chance to pair up with Wembanyama.
“You’re gonna get a really inspired and motivated Chris Paul at this stage of his career.
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"He wants to show and prove to people that he still has it.”
LeBron James has opted out of his contract to pursue a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.