The Golden State Warriors have suffered serious setbacks in recent seasons, ultimately missing out on the playoffs despite having the highest total spending in the league.
This is in stark contrast to teams such as the Hornets, Suns, and Lakers, who have sought new breakthroughs by changing coaching staffs.
However, the Warriors' problem is not just about the coach, but about the attitude and direction of the team as a whole, especially when it comes to dealing with veteran player Klay Thompson.
Warriors general manager Dunleavy Jr. has made it clear that the team is no longer willing to continue to invest heavily in a roster that will miss the playoffs.
The $400 million spending was particularly glaring in a losing season, and the Warriors' brass realized they had to make a change.
And this change is not only limited to the adjustment of the lineup, but more importantly, the change of attitude.
The Warriors no longer want to be tied down by the label of merit basketball, and Klay Thompson has been a key figure in that transition.
The Warriors showed great sincerity by offering Klay a two-year, $48 million contract extension.
However, Klay was not happy with the amount and length of the contract, which greatly increased the likelihood that the two sides would part ways in the offseason.
Klay's contract extension has become the focus of attention within the Warriors and outside, and his attitude has a direct impact on the future direction of the team.
Former Warriors coach Mark Jackson believes that Klay's annual salary should be between $20 million and $25 million, and his defensive ability on the court is extremely important to the team.
However, fans have mixed opinions on this, with many believing that the contract extension offered by the Warriors is too high.
This also reflected the sincerity of the Warriors management, but Klay's refusal made some fans feel relieved, believing that the team should not be too accommodating in salary.
Klay Thompson has always been a special presence on the Warriors, and he enjoys a high level of privilege and treatment, not only in terms of his performance on the court, but also in his status off the court.
Many fans remember that when Klay was reimbursed for the season due to injury, the Warriors did not hesitate to offer him a contract with a maximum salary.
This is a rarity in many teams, especially knowing that he will not be able to return to the field anytime soon.
After his return, the Warriors also had a very lenient rotation policy for him, allowing him to choose not to play back-to-back games, completely based on his recovery rhythm.
Netizen Xiao Li Feidao said on Twitter: Klay has indeed made a lot of contributions to the Warriors, but now the team needs the assurance of the future, instead of being immersed in the glory of the past.
Another netizen basketball fan Jack commented: Given a maximum salary contract, there are still so many privileges after his comeback, and now he thinks the contract is not enough, is Clay too much? In the face of such a situation, Clay's attitude is even more important.
He reportedly strengthened his stance on salary after learning that teams such as the Magic were interested in him.
He believes he is worth much more than just the contract offered by the Warriors, but that confidence seems to many to be a bit blind.
Netizens rational fans said in the comments: Klay is indeed a meritorious player of the Warriors, but he needs to face the reality, and now he is no longer the invincible 'Buddha' he was a few years ago.
Klay Thompson was removed from the starting lineup at one point, much to the surprise of fans.
Some fans commented on social media: Klay is the Warriors' right-hand man, why should he be transferred to the bench? The decision sparked quite a bit of controversy, and many people began to re-examine Klay's place on the team.
Although Klay later returned to the starting lineup, the meaning behind it is self-evident.
Some netizens began to speculate whether Clay's role and positioning had changed.
Some believe that this may be a shift in the attitude of the Warriors' top brass towards him, and no longer see him as one of the core of the team.
Netizen basketball fan Xiao Wang said on the forum: Klay was removed from the starter, and it seems that the Warriors' confidence in him is not as good as before.
I don't know if you know about Klay Thompson On October 21, 2021, the NBA officially announced the list of the top 75 stars for the 75th anniversary, which is a highly honorable list that honors the great players in the history of the league.
Surprisingly, despite his stellar record with the Warriors and his individual performances, Thompson was not selected.
The news caused quite a stir among fans and industry insiders.
Klay Thompson's defeat has left many regretful.
The Warriors' teammates decided to show their support for him in their own way.
They made a number 77 jersey for Clayter because there were actually 76 players on the roster, and they humorously said that Clayburn should be the 77th player to be selected.
At the end of a practice session, the Warriors took out this special No. 77 jersey and gave it to Klay.
Stephen Curry jokingly said: Hey, number 77, you should have been on that list.
His teammates laughed, and this humorous gesture made Clay feel a sense of relief and warmth.
Draymond Green chimed in: You'll always be our superstar.
The scene was captured by the media and quickly spread on social media, with netizens voicing their opinions.
Netizen Xiao Li Feidao said on Twitter: There is a bit of a problem with this list in the NBA, how can Klay's performance be ignored? The joke of number 77 is actually quite realistic.
Another netizen basketball fan, Jack, also commented: Although Klay was not selected, his teammates gave him the greatest support, which is the real brotherhood.
Some fans believe that Klay's defeat was an unfair treatment.
They cited Klay's stellar record and key performances with the Warriors and believe he fully deserves to be on this list.
Netizen Warriors die-hard fans wrote on the forum: Isn't Klay's achievements in three-point shooting and his defensive performance enough to make him selected? He's a real champion.
Overall, while Klay Thompson was not selected for the 75th anniversary 75 list, his teammates showed their support for him in a special way with the number 77 jersey,
This not only shows the unity of the Warriors, but also shows the outside world the importance of Klay in the hearts of players and fans.
And some fans believe that it is unrealistic for the Warriors to offer a backup guard an annual salary of more than $20 million.
Netizen Stadium Observer wrote on Weibo: An annual salary of 20 million to a substitute defender is too extravagant, right? The Warriors really need to rethink their spending strategy.
Klay's emphasis on salary issues also made his departure possible.
A fan commented in the discussion thread: Klay has always had a clear understanding of his value, and if the Warriors can't meet his demands, he is likely to consider offers from other teams.
That concern spread among fans, and many began to worry that Klay might choose to leave the Warriors.
The Warriors' relationship with Klay is coming to an end, and it is not only a major turning point in his career, but also the beginning of a repositioning and adjustment for the Warriors.
Letting go of the baggage of meritorious basketball, the Warriors must find a new balance in the new era.
Whether Klay stays or not, the Warriors will need to face the challenges ahead with a more practical and pragmatic attitude in order to re-emerge in a competitive league.
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