Klay and Warriors engaged in tense standoff ahead of NBA free agency originally appeared in 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 could be the most competitive owner in the league. That he wants to win “everything”.
Not only championships, but also contract negotiations.
This statement has proven increasingly credible over the years and sheds light on the increasingly tense issue of the Warriors and future unrestricted free agent Klay Thompson.
Warriors are sincere in their desire to retain Thompson – but in terms they consider it a good value. Lacob proved that it will pay, but also that it wants to earn the investment.
“We want him back,” Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said Monday at his NBA pre-draft press conference. “We’ve said it all along. I hope he comes back. But when it comes to details and discussions and that kind of thing, I think it’s important to stay internal and stuff like that. When we figure out a solution to all of this, we’ll have news for you.”
Meanwhile, Golden State exudes patience on the level that only comes when it believes there is a reasonable chance of being rewarded.
They are willing to wait, to let Thompson and his representatives explore the market and see what is available. The Warriors have drawn a line in the sand and will not cross it willingly. They won’t even consider crossing it unless provoked, at which point they can recalibrate.
Power.
It’s a kind of chicken, the game in which, for example, two drivers enter 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 of them reaches an agreement.
Despite Thompson’s Tremendous Contributions In the best years the franchise has ever experienced, this strategy is risky, but logical. The Warriors don’t know Klay accurate market value, and neither did the Thompson team. What is known is that the two sides do not agree.
It has also become obvious that the warmth of past glory is important, but not a determining factor for either side.
“I think I’m reasonable, I’m rational,” Dunleavy said. “That’s how I’m always going to operate. But to say that a guy like Klay Thompson, who has meant so much to this franchise, completely takes the emotion out of it, I think is almost impossible.
“But this is a business. We will talk about things and we will continue to talk about things. We’re hopeful, but we’ll see. We have to figure things out.”
From a strictly business standpoint, the Warriors see a five-time All-Star and one-time All-Defensive team selection who is unlikely to regain that distinction. Thompson was 29 years old when he received one of these honors. Five years and two devastating injuries later, he no longer possesses the gifts that invited such lofty awards.
Golden State watched Thompson’s last 2.5 seasons and concluded that he is no longer a “max” player but still capable of making a significant contribution to a winning team. He can still drop 40 points in a given game, but his scoring frenzy is less frequent. He can provide decent defense in some matchups, but he can no longer block a perimeter scorer.
Thompson, according to multiple league sources, wants a three-year contract and a chance to win a fifth NBA championship. That’s why one potential candidate – the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Orlando Magic the Philadelphia 76ersto name three – would be interested.
The Warriors consider themselves contenders but want to see how far other teams will go to persuade Thompson to leave the franchise that drafted him 13 years ago. They don’t necessarily believe that any team will dangle a nine-figure purse under their chin.
If Klay is determined to leave, Golden State cannot and will not stop him. If he is willing to maintain acceptable financial terms while also assuming the role of Sixth Man, the Warriors will open their arms with a fair offer.
“Considering all of these things is the most important thing,” Dunleavy said. “And that’s what happened, what we’re seeing. This is as simple as it is.
“There will probably be varying degrees of what that amount is, but it’s up to us and me to figure out what the right amount is for our team.”
The right amount is independent of the Golden State’s luxury tax bill. It has almost no bearing on where Thompson would fit in the team’s salary structure.
The right amount, as defined by the Warriors, is whatever hinders Thompson while allowing Lacob and Dunleavy to leave feeling successful.
