Klay Thompson‘s free agency is fast approaching. The veteran sharpshooter is in the final few months of his five-year $189.9 million deal. He’s earning $43.2 million this season. His average annual salary throughout his current deal has been roughly $37.9 million.
However, according to an NBA executive who spoke with HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Thompson’s next deal could see him take a major pay cut. Considering he will be entering his age-35 season later this year and that Steve Kerr has moved him to a bench role, that prediction seems logical and fair.
“I see him at around $18-20 million a year,” The executive told Scotto. “I’m not sure he’ll accept that because he sees himself much higher. If all offers are equal, I think he goes back to Golden State. I feel like his relationship with Steph and being able to play in one place is important to him.”
Thompson has consistently discussed his desire to remain in the Bay Area. He wants to end his career with the Golden State Warriors. However, he will undoubtedly need to take a significant pay cut on his current deal for that to happen. $20 million per year is still a fair price for where he’s at at this point of his career.
Since being moved to his bench role, Thompson is producing at a high level. He’s thriving when facing second-unit defenses and could be a legitimate weapon in Kerr’s second unit for years. However, other teams will undoubtedly be interested in acquiring the veteran shooter during the summer. So, he and the Warriors will certainly have some negotiating to do.
