Klay Thompson's time with the Golden State Warriors ended on a sour note. The Warriors were unwilling to accommodate the demands of their veteran core player, and he left the team to send two second-rounders to fellow rivals the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-to-deal deal.
According to the latest report from ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Thompson offered a two-year, $40 million contract, but the Golden State Warriors turned it down.
"After almost a year of despair, he needed a whole new experience," Shelburne reported. "Jumping out of the old team, away from all the history and people he's always knew."
Two weeks ago, the Thompson camp offered the Warriors a two-year, season-long contract of about $20 million, according to sources. Their answer is the same as it has been for nearly a year: 'We can't do it yet.' ’”
While a long-term max contract was never an option, a two-year, $40 million contract is within the Warriors' bounds. They could have kept the Big Three united and could have added better players around them to compete for next year's championship.
However, the Warriors are still reluctant to meet Thompson's demands, and now they are forced to restructure with new players, which is not something they did under Steve Kerr's control. The addition and departure of Kevin Durant was an exception, but his transition was as smooth as ever.
The Warriors have reportedly brought in D'Anthony Melton and are in talks with Buddy Hield. These two appear to be viable replacements for Thompson, who have Melton's offensive and defensive abilities and Hield's three-point ability.
Klay Thompson signed a discounted contract with the Dallas Mavericks instead of his hometown team, the Los Angeles Lakers
It is widely believed that Klay Thompson would choose the Los Angeles Lakers if he left the Bay Area. It's the team he's supported since he was a kid and the team his father, Michael Thompson, played for in the 'Showtime era' of the '80s. Thompson was in talks with the Lakers in the offseason. However, despite rumors that LeBron James recruited the coveted sharpshooter and offered a pay cut in his next contract, the deal didn't materialize.
Klay Thompson also turned down a four-year, $80 million contract with the Lakers and agreed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks with an annual salary of $3 million in pursuit of a championship. The Mavericks reached the Finals last season and have a better roster than the Lakers to compete for a championship, which ultimately influenced Thompson's decision to move to Texas.
Friends who like me can follow me and share more NBA-related with you every day!