Negotiations between Klay Thompson and Warriors frozen as free agency approaches: Sources

Klay Thompson is not currently considering a shorter-than-asked offer from the Golden State Warriors. Although there is a wide-open negotiating window, no one-, two-, or three-year deal is on the table. Because there is nothing currently on the table, according to league sources. There was no productive discussion between the Warriors and Thompson or his representatives.

Conversations are basically frozen. With free agency now less than 10 days away, Thompson’s departure from the only franchise he has ever known seems closer and more likely than ever.

The Warriors have ostensibly maintained their desire to bring Thompson back at the right price and in the right role, according to league sources, but viewed his situation as a business to solve after exploring several other ways to build the roster. They have been actively looking for paths to broader upgrades, using Chris Paul’s $30 million non-guaranteed contract as a flex. There has been talk with Paul about potentially pushing back the guarantee date from June 28 to July, if necessary, according to league sources, which would require Thompson to wait longer.

If the Warriors can land a big name, high-salary player, it will greatly impact what they can offer Thompson, considering their plan to evade the second apron and perhaps dip below the tax altogether. That measured business approach — which has merit, considering the Warriors’ desperate need to improve an inadequate roster — can seem cold to a franchise legend like Thompson, who has won four titles in his 13 seasons with the Warriors but is being bumped away. Current off-season priority list.

Part of the Warriors’ calculation appears to be that Thompson could figure out a tepid free agent market and eventually return at a bargain price. Controlling owner Joe Lacob, second-year general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., and vice president Kirk Lacob are the ones pulling the reins. Early indications indicate that this market reading will prove correct. There are rumors that there are mostly short-term contracts for veteran free agents, in part because Malik Monk is returning to Sacramento on a four-year deal for just $78 million.

There has been no rapprochement between Thompson and the Orlando Magic, according to league sources, despite some initial mutual interest. There is expected to be interest from other high-cap teams and some long-term offers on the table in a market that can always move in unexpected directions. It’s always possible that Thompson’s best offer will end up being less in money and shorter in years than many expected or expected, leading some to assume it would lead to an inevitable reunion with the Warriors at a rate comfortable for both sides.

But this is not necessarily the case. Even if the Warriors eventually make a competitive offer for Thompson, matching or exceeding the money and years, it is becoming increasingly conceivable, according to league sources, that Thompson will decide to leave regardless, looking for a fresh start in a different environment, separate from some of the built-up friction. In the last few seasons.

Before last season, the Warriors and Thompson discussed the idea of ​​an extension. Shams Charania newspaper reported that the talks were in the range of two years and worth $48 million. Nothing was ever close.

Some other quick buzz: Kevon Looney, who was drafted in 2015, has been a member of the Warriors for nearly nine years. It appears that his term will continue until next week. Only $3 million of Looney’s $8 million is currently guaranteed for next season. Another $5 million in bonds will be posted on Monday, offering the possibility of his release.

But that’s not the Warriors’ current plan, according to league sources. They are expected to allow the remainder of Looney’s $8 million contract guarantee, keeping him in their current plans, though it is still possible they could eventually use his salary to help complete an offseason trade.

Looney still has value as a leader in the locker room and remains one of Steve Kerr’s favorite players, a voice he can rely on during tough times but also a position he trusts on the floor. Looney was taken out of the rotation midseason by rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis — and is supposed to enter next season behind Jackson-Davis on the depth chart — but Looney returned to the rotation in April and appeared in the Play-In Championship loss. In Sacramento, Domantas guards Sabonis for key stretches.

If the Warriors release Looney and trade him to the veterans’ minimum position, they won’t save much in salary or taxes regardless. There has been no talk of releasing and re-signing Looney either, as he is expected to receive interest on the open market from several contenders and will explore those options. As of now, Looney remains in the Warriors’ plan as he approaches a franchise contract.

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(Thompson Image: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)