Klay Thompson is excited to stay a Warrior. (USATSI)
The Warriors and Klay Thompson are reportedly stuck a few million apart on an extension deal which is either a little or a lot, depending on perspective. The Warriors reportedly turned down an offer of Kevin Love for the wing shooter, and as such, Thompson's side had to feel they have leverage to establish a max contract.
But with the new media deals announced last week, and the impact that could have on player salaries and the cap, there was talk that perhaps Thompson should not only turn down an extension, but sign the qualifying offer in restricted free agency this summer in order to hit unrestricted free agency in 2016, in line for a huge payday.
But in an interview with ESPN, Thompson says he'd rather have the security of an extension right now, despite the millions it could cost him overall.
"It really is tempting to do all that," Thompson said. "But I'd rather have the security right now, you know?"
That's the response you'd get from 99 percent of the players, but keep in mind Thompson was playing with the U.S. men's national team in Las Vegas when Paul George went down with that leg-bending, career-altering injury in August. The unthinkable happened right in front of him, and that memory sticks with Thompson.
"It does a little bit, I won't even lie to you," Thompson said. "When I play though, I don't even think about it. I'm sure Paul wasn't when it happened. You can't let it hold you back."
via NBA: Klay Thompson on verge of big score - ESPN.
The impact of Paul George's injury isn't something I had considered when thinking of Thompson's situation, but it does make sense. An ACL tear or other considerable injury could lead to a major drop in salary. That's the reality of the league and getting the guaranteed money is a big deal, particularly in that first contract off the rookie deal.
Now the question will be if Thompson is willing to take less than the max to sign the extension. It's one thing to cost yourself the new-media money which you'll be able to get your hands on in a few years anyway, and another to not get the max when the team literally turned down a perennial All-Star for you. The situation isn't resolved, but either way, one thing's for certain.
Thompson's about to get paid.
Basketball Hot News
Tom Thibodeau: Pau Gasol can be a “great” defender
Tom Thibodeau expects a lot from his players defensively. The Chicago Bulls have built their identity since he took over in 2010 on punishing defense, posting a top-five mark in the NBA in defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) each of the past four years. When it comes to the Bulls’ headlining offseason acquisition, veteran big man Pau Gasol, Thibodeau likes what he sees so far but thinks he’s capable of better. From ESPNChicago.com:
“He could do better,” Thibodeau said. “He’s done well, but I think he could be great. That’s what I want him to be. He’s got great length, he’s got great timing. He’s smart. He can anticipate. He’s still not communicating as well as he’s capable of, but he’s done well thus far.”
Gasol is a terrific offensive compliment to the Bulls’ front line, but “great” is probably a bit optimistic when it comes to the 34-year-old’s defensive contributions at this point. He had a terrific defensive showing Saturday night in the Bulls’ preseason win over the Milwaukee Bucks, blocking Jabari Parker‘s shot and generally doing a good job protecting the rim. But the Bucks are one of the worst teams in the league, and Gasol had trouble with Detroit’s Greg Monroe on Tuesday during Chicago’s overtime loss to the Pistons.
Gasol is far past his peak as a defender at this point, given his age and various injuries he’s dealt with in recent years. But against certain undersized opponents, he can be useful as a rim protector alongside Joakim Noah or Taj Gibson. He’s the closest thing the Bulls have to one, and having a seven-footer in the paint allows Noah to guard stretch-fours on the perimeter, which gives the Bulls added versatility on the defensive end. But, again, the consistency isn’t there for Gasol. Not yet.
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