Negotiations are basically at a standstill. With free agency less than 10 days away, Thompson’s exit from the only franchise he’s ever known seems closer and more likely than ever.
According to league sources, the Warriors have outwardly maintained their desire to bring Thompson back at the right price and in the right role, but will look to resolve his situation as a business after exploring various other roster-building avenues. have seen. They are actively looking for ways to make a massive upgrade, using Chris Paul’s non-guaranteed $30 million contract as a flexibility tool. According to league sources, there have been talks with Paul about possibly moving that guarantee date from June 28 to July if necessary, which would only be asking Thompson to wait longer.
If the Warriors can acquire a big-name, high-salary player, it would significantly impact what they are able to offer Thompson, their goal of reducing the second apron and perhaps bringing the tax down entirely. Consider the plan. Considering the Warriors’ desperate need to improve an inadequate roster, this calculated business approach — which has merit — may come as a cold shoulder to a franchise veteran like Thompson, who won four titles in his 13 seasons with the Warriors. Won, but they are being pushed down a lot. Current offseason priority list.
It seems part of the Warriors’ calculation is that Thompson could explore a lukewarm free-agent market and eventually return at a bargain rate. Controlling owner Joe Lacob, second-year general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and vice president Kirk Lacob are pulling the levers. Early indications are that the market’s predictions will prove correct. The news is that there are mostly short-term contracts out there for veteran free agents, partly why Malik Monk returned to Sacramento on a four-year deal for just $78 million.
Despite some initial mutual interest, there is no known relationship between Thompson and the Orlando Magic, according to league sources. In a market that can always move in unpredictable directions, there is expected to be interest from other cap space teams and some long-term offers on the table. It’s always possible that Thompson’s best offers could be short in money and expire in fewer years than many forecast or expect, leading some to believe an inevitable reunion with the Warriors would be inevitable, at that rate. Both parties will be comfortable.
But it is not necessary that it be so. Even if the Warriors ultimately approach Thompson with an offer equal to or more than a competitive offer in money and years, according to league sources, it appears increasingly possible that Thompson will be looking for a fresh start in a different environment, regardless. Will decide to leave. From some built-up friction over the past few seasons.
Before last season, the Warriors and Thompson had discussed the idea of an extension. Our Shams Charania reports that talks were in the two-year, $48 million range. Nothing was ever close.
Some other quick discussion: Kevon Looney, drafted in 2015, has been a member of the Warriors for nearly nine years. It appears that his tenure will continue till next week. Only $3 million of Looney’s $8 million is currently guaranteed for next season. Another $5 million will be guaranteed on Monday, creating the possibility he could be released.
But according to league sources, that’s not the Warriors’ current plan. They are expected to guarantee Looney his remaining $8 million contract, keeping him in their current plans, though it’s possible they ultimately use his salary to help complete an offseason trade.
Looney still has value as a leader in the locker room and remains one of Steve Kerr’s favorite players, a voice he relies on during stressful times but also a center he trusts. We do. Looney was forced out of the rotation mid-season by rookie Trace Jackson-Davis – and will likely enter next season following Jackson-Davis on the depth chart – but Looney returned to the rotation in April and played in his play-in Had to face defeat in the tournament. In Sacramento, Domantas is guarding Sabonis for key stretches.
If the Warriors released Looney and replaced him with a minimally experienced center, they wouldn’t save much salary or taxes. There has been no discussion of Looney’s release and re-signing, as he is expected to have interest on the open market from multiple rivals and will explore those options. For now, Looney remains in the Warriors’ plans as he nears the decade mark with the franchise.
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(Photo of Thompson: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
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