Klay Thompson surprisingly would rather not wait for extension
Warriors guard says Paul George's injury provides reason enough to opt for security over a bigger payday down the line.
By
Matt Moore
•
2 min read
The Warriors and Klay Thompson are reportedly stuck a few million apart on an extension deal which is either a little or a lot, depending on perspective. The Warriors reportedly turned down an offer of Kevin Love for the wing shooter, and as such, Thompson's side had to feel they have leverage to establish a max contract.
But with the new media deals announced last week, and the impact that could have on player salaries and the cap, there was talk that perhaps Thompson should not only turn down an extension, but sign the qualifying offer in restricted free agency this summer in order to hit unrestricted free agency in 2016, in line for a huge payday.
But in an interview with ESPN, Thompson says he would rather have the security of an extension right now, despite the millions it could cost him overall.
"It really is tempting to do all that," Thompson said. "But I'd rather have the security right now, you know?"
That's the response you'd get from 99 percent of the players, but keep in mind Thompson was playing with the U.S. men's national team in Las Vegas when Paul George went down with that leg-bending, career-altering injury in August. The unthinkable happened right in front of him, and that memory sticks with Thompson.
"It does a little bit, I won't even lie to you," Thompson said. "When I play though, I don't even think about it. I'm sure Paul wasn't when it happened. You can't let it hold you back."
via NBA: Klay Thompson on verge of big score - ESPN.
The impact of Paul George's injury isn't something I had considered when thinking of Thompson's situation, but it does make sense. An ACL tear or other considerable injury could lead to a major drop in salary. That's the reality of the league and getting the guaranteed money is a big deal, particularly in that first contract off the rookie deal.
Now the question will be if Thompson is willing to take less than the max to sign the extension. It's one thing to cost yourself the new-media money which you'll be able to get your hands on in a few years anyway, and another to not get the max when the team literally turned down a perennial All-Star for you. The situation isn't resolved, but either way, one thing's for certain.
Thompson's about to get paid.
