While the Golden State Warriors are fighting for a playoff spot this season, they have a number of crucial decisions to make this offseason.
The Warriors’ biggest decisions this summer revolve around Chris Paul, Andrew Wiggins, and Klay Thompson. Paul has a nonguaranteed deal for $30 million, which becomes guaranteed on June 24. Thompson is an upcoming unrestricted free agent, and the Warriors are likely to want to move Wiggins.
The Orlando Magic are expected to pursue Golden State Warriors free agents this summer.
Golden State just extended Draymond Green, Steve Kerr, and Stephen Curry’s contracts through the 2025-26 season. So, resigning Thompson appears to be the next natural step. Green has an extra year than the other three since he has a player option for 2026-27.
But, can the Warriors afford him?
Golden State has 11 players under contract for the next season, including Paul, Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II, and Gui Santos. Looney, who has a partial guarantee, and Payton, who has a player option worth $9.3 million, are anticipated to return. Santos will be on a non-guaranteed contract that becomes fully guaranteed on January 10, 2025.
With only 11 players signed for next season, the Warriors have already above the NBA luxury tax and are less than $15 million away from the punishing second tax apron. Even if Paul’s contract is not included, the Warriors remain above the salary cap.
It seems almost certain that Paul will not stay with the Dubs at his present salary of $30 million. However, this does not preclude him from joining the team. The Warriors may let Paul leave, renegotiate a more cap-friendly contract, or trade him.
How much is Klay Thompson’s project worth?
Thompson has struggled this season and is now coming off the bench for the Warriors. He is 34 years old and has a recent injury history. Still, Thompson is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents this summer. He is a reliable scorer and outstanding 3-point shooter who can also defend at a high level.
Thompson has struggled to shoot the ball this season, resulting in a slash line. He has improved his deep shooting since the all-star break, shooting 422/.379/.915. Over the last nine games, the five-time all-star has shot more than three three-pointers per game at a 41.3% clip.
Thompson has also acclimated nicely to his new reserve position. In eight games off the bench, he has averaged 18.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. He is shooting 46.2% from the field, making 4.1 threes a game at a 41.3% clip, and has a +2.3 plus/minus rating in 26.4 minutes of play.
According to eight NBA executives who spoke with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Thompson should earn between $18 and $25 million per year.
More information?
“I see him at around $18-20 million per year,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “I don’t think he’ll accept it because he sees himself far higher. If all offers are equal, I believe he will return to Golden State. I believe his friendship with Steph and being able to play in one location are significant to him.”
Kerr, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., and numerous Warriors players have expressed their desire for Thompson to return a Warrior for his entire career.
“We know we want Klay to be here forever,” Looney added. “He is a warrior for life, no matter what. Even if he goes somewhere, he will remain a guy with a statue and jersey in the rafters. We truly don’t discuss it. We understand the pressure of playing in a contract year with ups and downs. You feel the heat. I think he’s handled it admirably, especially given the lineup change. He understands the value he brings to this company, club, city, and the Bay Area. Hopefully, he gets to remain indefinitely. That is one of my aims as well. Hopefully, this core can ride it out.”
Orlando plans to pursue Thompson.
Ian Begley of SNY.tv has revealed that the Magic expressed interest prior to the trade deadline. The Magic plan to have a lot of cap room, and they could certainly use 3-point shooting. The Magic are lowest in the NBA both 3-pointers made (10.6) and 3-point attempted (30.8). They also rank 26th in three-point percentage.
Orlando is currently $36.4 million under next year’s expected salary cap of $141 million. However, the Magic have some flexibility because Jonathan Isaac’s $17.4 million contract is not guaranteed and Joe Ingles’ $11 million contract is a team option.
I’m not sure if the Magic will keep Isaac, but Ingles is surely gone.
Isaac is enjoying a good season, however he has been injured again this season and hasn’t seen much action.
The 26-year-old adds agility, rebounding, and defense to the Magic’s lineup, particularly rim protection. He is normally highly efficient near the basket and can create space on the court with his shooting. However, Isaac’s three-point shooting is below-average.
Here is what one NBA executive informed Scotto about the Magic’s ties to the Magic.
“If you’re the Magic, don’t you want an adult? They need a true shooting guard. Jalen Suggs is a combination guard. Gary Harris may be gone this summer. Let Anthony Black, Suggs, and Cole Anthony combine for the point guard position. Orlando enjoys size, which Klay possesses, and he would provide them shooting.”
The Magic also requires a centre and depth at forward.
Projecting Thompson’s landing spot
It would be quite surprising if Thompson did not remain with the Warriors. However, Orlando is an intriguing situation, and Thompson might move there if he demands more money than the Dubs are willing to spend. The Warriors possess Thompson’s Bird rights.
Thompson was up in Southern California, and his father, Mychal Thompson, played for the Lakers.
Here is a prediction from an NBA executive:
“Klay is not going away. The Warriors cannot let him go. He’s a four-time champion, and they’ll struggle to replace him. If a player isn’t doing his job and yet wants to play as he gets older, he should come off the bench, and he’s doing so while improving his game. Perhaps they connect his deal to Steph’s. Klay is said to be worth between $20 million and $25 million. I believe other teams would sign him.
