Curry did not repeat the miracle of scoring 50 points in the first round of last year's playoffs against the Kings, and Thompson played the worst game of his career in the playoffs, shooting 0-of-10 from the field and scoring no points. On April 17, Beijing time, the Warriors lost to the Kings 94-118 in the first round of the play-offs, ending their season journey. The Warriors, who missed out on the playoffs, will also face violent turmoil, and Thompson's contract extension is up in the balance. Are the Warriors still willing to give a big contract to Townsman, who is at a low point in his career? In addition, the Warriors will most likely not execute Paul's $30.8 million contract in the final year. When the time comes, Paul will most likely leave San Francisco.
Curry shot 8-of-16 in this game, with 22 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 6 turnovers. He's no longer that MVP-caliber Curry. Thompson, for his part, will undoubtedly have to take the blame for the loss. He played 32 minutes, 0-of-10 shooting, 0-of-6 three-pointers, no free throws, 0 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist.
The 34-year-old Thompson is no longer the "playoff soup" who has repeatedly created miracles in the playoffs. The Warriors were comprehensively suppressed by the Kings from the first quarter in this game, which has something to do with the Warriors' aging of the iron triangle and the team's failure to bring in reinforcements last offseason. The Warriors are too short in height, and the team's confrontation suffers. In this game, the Warriors trailed 42-49 in rebounds and 8-15 in offensive rebounds.
The Warriors once again rank first in the league with an annual salary of $209 million this season, and once again have to pay an expensive luxury tax. Due to the lack of access to the playoffs, the Warriors have no playoff ticket revenue, and the team's operations this season are likely to be at a loss.
The Warriors are also heading into a tumultuous summer. Did Thompson finish the last game of his Warriors career? If Thompson bids farewell to the Warriors with 0 points, it may be a pity for him. He helped the Warriors build a glorious dynasty, and the Splash Brothers became famous. But the NBA is a business field, and NBA teams ultimately have to evaluate contracts based on the value of their players, not on personal terms.
Thompson is averaging just 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season, shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three-point range, and his points per game average has dropped to its worst since the 2013-14 season, and his defense is not comparable to the past.
Thompson had another poor playoff game, and the Warriors were even less likely to give him a big contract. If the team still wants to take Curry as the core to win the championship, then it is inevitable to break up the iron triangle and introduce star players in their playing years to serve as Curry's helpers. Realistically, Thompson is no longer a good fit for another $20 million plus salary and as a second offensive option for championship contenders.
This means that Thompson will have to accept not only a pay cut, but also a decline in status. Of course, Thompson had a time off the bench this season, but Kerr brought Thompson back to the starting lineup late in the regular season. There are likely playoff-caliber teams in the league that are interested in Thompson, value his championship experience, have him coach young players, and don't rule out offering bigger contracts than the Warriors, as well as promising team status and playing time.
So, there is suspense about whether Thompson will stay with the Warriors, and the Splash Brothers are at risk of disintegration.
Paul will most likely leave the Warriors, he has not played much of a role in the Warriors, or in the Warriors system, his residual value is not reflected. The Warriors are unlikely to execute Paul's $30.8 million contract for the final season, after all, the team needs to save money, and Paul's performance with the Warriors is really not worth the price. If the Warriors don't execute Paul's contract and let him return to free agency, he is unlikely to stay with the Warriors, after all, the Warriors have little hope of winning the championship in the short term.
The 38-year-old still hasn't won the title, so where will he be next?