In a few weeks, we should have clarity on the future of Klay Thompson. The NBA free agency window will swing wide open, and the greatest question of the Warriors’ offseason will be answered.
Anthony Slater of The Athletic joined the Morning Roast Wednesday to discuss all things Warriors, and was asked about his own statement that Thompson has been frustrated with Warriors management.
“I just don't think there was that much of a thirst or a desire to get something done,” Slater said. “I mean, everybody knows the two for $48 [million] that was out there and some people would think that that was fair enough for him to sign at the time. Clearly he didn't, from a years and financial standpoint, believe that was worth signing. We're talking preseason at this point. But I mean, all the way up until now, it's not necessarily that Klay Thompson has been priority number one.
“Locking down his future is not necessarily priority one for the Warriors and from a cold-hearted business perspective, I think you can understand that from the Warrior side, but you know, Klay Thompson is Klay Thompson. He has pride in what he's built, what he's built with the Warriors, who he still is in the league, what his statistical resume still says he is. And I think there's a fair like, you want to be prioritized and I don't think necessarily the Warriors management all the way up into the top has from day one of this, like they did with other people over the last couple of years said, 'We have to do whatever it takes to to make sure you're here long term.'”
Slater addressed myriad concerns with the Warriors. He got into why Chris Paul could extend the deadline on whether or not to guarantee his contract, Draymond Green’s questionable comments, and much more.
Most significantly, he explained why his gut feeling tells him Thompson will be back with the Warriors, and why that wouldn’t have been the case at the end of the season.
Listen to the full interview above.