Klay Thompson and Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob have “suffered some strain” in their relationship, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
Here’s what Amick had to say in the report:
“Thompson always knew he would likely have to wait until his free agency arrived this summer, what with Lacob’s well-chronicled hopes of ducking under the second (and possibly first) luxury tax apron compelling them to let the roster landscape fully unfold before adding salary.
“But it’s clear their relationship has suffered some strain along the way, with league sources indicating that Thompson has received no assurances from on high that his hopes of retiring happily in a Warriors jersey someday will be a shared priority this summer. Both sides, it seems clear, have no clarity about what might happen when that time rolls around.”
Lacob has previously expressed confidence that the Warriors would eventually work out a deal with Thompson. But even if the two sides do eventually come to an agreement, it seems it may not be an easy road to get there.
Thompson has been a shell of himself this season, and his struggles have led to moments of heated frustration for him on the court and on the sidelines. If this frustration seeps into contract negotiations, that’s where things could get ugly.
Thompson is in the final year of a 5-year, $190 million contract, which is paying him $43.2 million this season alone.
He e is averaging 17.2 points per game on 37.6 percent threepoint shooting this season. Both of those figures are down on last season, when he averaged 21.9 points per game on 41.2 percent shooting.
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