Over the course of his 10-year career, Klay Thompson has achieved a ton of milestones. He's a four-time NBA champion, a five-time All-Star, and has a good shot to go into the Hall of Fame.
At the age of 33, Thompson is far from done though. After a series of injuries that disrupted his career, he looks like he's on the cusp of returning to form as one of the most unstoppable shooters in league history. This upcoming season will be pivotal for him, with massive stakes on the line.
Klay Thompson's contract status
This is a contract year for Thompson. He's playing on an expiring contract this season that pays him $43.2 million. The Warriors have indicated that they'd like to re-sign him, per ESPN's Kendra Andrews, but they are not close to a deal as of yet.
NBA POSITIONAL RANKINGS: PG | SG | SF | PF | C
On Oct. 15, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski stated that "there has been absolutely no progress on a Klay Thompson extension in Golden State. They are both still apart on years and money. And there's a very real possibility that Klay Thompson goes into free agency next Summer without a deal."
Thompson became eligible for an extension last season that could pay him up to $223 million over four years, per ESPN's Bobby Marks. If the Warriors do choose to let him finish out his deal and enter unrestricted free agency, then he would be one of the best free agents in a very weak 2024 market.
The Warriors could still pay Thompson next summer if he does become unrestricted. According to The Athletic's Danny Leroux, the team can offer somewhere in the neighborhood of $42-50 million in the first year of Thompson's new deal before they run into stiff penalties with the second apron.
It is also possible that Thompson will give the Warriors a hometown discount on his next deal. He's already made almost $270 million from the team, and Draymond Green took a smaller deal in a similar situation this summer.
Klay Thompson is still capable of having a great regular season
Thompson quietly had a fantastic regular season last year, looking fully recovered from his knee and Achilles injuries.
After a slow start, he closed his season out on a tear that was reminiscent of some of his peak years. His averages of 21.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game were higher than his career averages.
Thompson's shooting, which had dipped uncharacteristically two seasons ago, also returned to form. He hit 41.2 percent of his 3s, which only scratches the surface of how well he shot it. He also led the league in BBall Index's 3-point shot making and shooting talent metrics, which incorporate how difficult his attempts were.
Thompson also showed improvement as a passer and playmaker, particularly off his drives and cuts into the paint.
Klay Thompson needs redemption from a disappointing playoffs
That regular season success didn't carry over to the playoffs. Thompson was frank in his self-evaluation in a summer appearance on Paul George's Podcast P.
"That Lakers series was tough. Obviously I didn't shoot the ball as well as I wanted to. I shot it terribly," Thompson told George. "Last year I definitely had a bad taste in mouth mouth still. But that's not the worst thing, because now I'm hungrier than ever."
Thompson closed out the playoffs with arguably the worst game of his career, shooting just 3-of-19 in the team's Game 6 elimination to the Lakers.
This is likely Thompson's best chance to add a fifth ring
Given that Green signed an extension and Curry is signed for the next three seasons, the Warriors could still keep their big three together for a few more seasons. But Curry is 35 years old, while Thompson and Green are 33. Realistically, they are all trending downward.
The Warriors still have decent championship equity — they're at +1400 to win at BetMGM, which are the sixth-highest odds of any team.
If they are going to do it though, then they need another big year from Thompson. At this stage in their journey, they can't do it without him.
