With contract extension rumors swirling around the Warriors and Klay Thompson, Dubs owner Joe Lacob wants everyone to “chill out”.
Earlier this week, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski said “there has been absolutely no progress” in the ongoing negotiations between the two parties.
Woj also said, “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.”
But Lacob has reassured Warriors fans that there’s nothing to fret about, and that the team want Thompson to stay in Golden State.
“I hope it’s not a distraction,” Lacob said on 95.7 The Game on Wednesday. “I mean, we’re not in control of this.”
“There are two sides to every negotiation. We want him back. He wants to be back. It’s kind of like Draymond [Green’s contract situation this past summer]. I think everyone needs to just chill a little bit. Let it take its course. My guess is it works out. I can’t control it. I can’t dictate it. You can’t dictate it. Fans can’t dictate it. These things have to take their course. There are different parties involved, but the intentions are really good.”
33-year-old Klay is entering the final season of his five-year $190 million contract and has affirmed that no signed extension won’t be distraction for him during the season.
“It’s not going to be a thing,” Thompson told The Athletic . “The fact that I’m going into my 13th season – that alone – it gives me such peace of mind. Granted, I’ve made money, I’ve been able to take care of my family, myself, the people I love. But when I started playing this game, I never once thought I’m playing the game because I’m going to be rich and famous. Never did.”
Thompson has expressed multiple times his desire to remain a ‘Warrior for life’.
Klay’s father and former Laker Mychal Thompson has said the same.
READ MORE: Draymond Green Explains Secret to Steph Curry’s Incredible Longevity