Joe Lacob speaks on Klay Thompson’s contract situation
Klay Thompson is entering a contract year and many fans are beginning to worry if he will get extended or not. Per multiple reports, both sides are not close to an extension and if one isn’t reached, Thompson will be a free agent in the summer of 2024.
Owner Joe Lacob isn’t fazed by the situation and wants fans to calm down as well.
“We want him back,” Lacob said, according to 95.7 The Game, a Bay Area local sports station. “He wants to be back. I think everyone needs to just chill a little. Let this take its course. My guess is it works out.”
Joe Lacob on Klay Thompson's contract: “We want him back. He wants to be back. I think everyone needs to just chill a little. Let this take its course. My guess is it works out.”
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 18, 2023
(via @MorningRoast957)
Ex-Warriors President of Basketball Operations Bob Myers spoke a little on the situation as well.
“Well, this is why I left, first of all,” Myers said. “A lot of times people will say it’s just business, but this is not a just-business situation. This guy — there’s gonna be a statue of this player outside of Chase Center. He was instrumental in bringing four championships. He’s beloved inside the organization, the fanbase. So it’s not so simple as it’s money and years.“
“This is a delicate negotiation from what I know and see,” Myers added. “Thompson wants to stay. They want him to stay. Doesn’t mean it’ll happen. But it is a test. It’s certainly a test.“
Although it is more complex than just money and years, that does seem to be the biggest factor. Thompson had a great bounce-back season last year after injury, averaging 21.9 points and leading the league with 301 3-pointers made.
While Thompson can still provide value to teams, he has suffered multiple serious lower-body injuries and this likely hurts his contract value.
Warriors fans and ownership don’t want to see Thompson walk in free agency and it seems like he doesn’t want it to come down to this either. Thompson is a Warriors legend and the dynamic with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green could take a hit if he isn’t wearing a Warriors uniform after this season.
