Klay Thompson was hoping to spend most of this offseason discussing a contract extension with the Golden State Warriors. Next offseason the shooting guard will become a restricted free agent at the end of next season and considering how valuable the Warriors continue to say he is, he would like to see that in dollar form. However, instead Thompson has been flooded with trade rumors as Golden State pursues Kevin Love. Now Thompson is simply hoping to remain on the roster at the start of the 2014 season.
ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne is reporting that Thompson was so eager to get an extension done that he wanted things finalized before he went to Team USA's camp to compete for a spot on the roster. However, that has not happened and now Thompson is left to doubt what his future for the next year will look like. The guard continues to be brought up in trade rumors for Love even though the Warriors had initially ruled him unavailable. The more Minnesota holds out on a deal, the more it looks like Thompson could be sent packing.
Yahoo Sports reported earlier that Thompson wants a max contract out of Golden State, something that may or may not be possible depending on the outcome of the Love negotiations. With Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala on the roster, there might not be enough cash to throw Thompson a deal of that value.
Thompson does not want to be traded. While speaking to the media following a practice with Team USA, the guard said that he intended to stay with the Warriors and continue running the backcourt with Curry. His teammate agrees.
"Every year there is some rumor in play and teams are trying to make a power move," Curry said, via Yahoo Sports. "But they've made a decision, at least it seems like they have, that Klay is an investment they don't want to give up. That speaks volumes to what he has been able to do in his career and his potential. I'm happy that he's my backcourt mate."
Without Thompson, the Warriors do not get Love unless they can convince another team to get involved in a deal. The Cleveland Cavaliers look to be winning the race as they continue to talk with the Philadelphia 76ers about a deal involving Thaddeus Young, someone the Timberwolves favor. However, if Thompson continues to hint at his upcoming contract demands, the Warriors might deal him regardless.
