Klay Thompson Drops Major Extension Hint Reminiscing $189 Million Renewal Amid ACL Injury

Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr’s contracts with the Golden State Warriors are aligned. The two dynasty names will part ways with the franchise at the end of the 2025-26 season. Draymond, with his player option, opts to exit during the same timeline. With that, the question looms on Klay Thompson and his pending contract extension with the team. Despite the disappointing 2023-24 tenure, he claims he has a few years of ball game left in the tank.

With that, and a possibility the Warriors might re-sign their sharpshooter, Klay was questioned, “Are you viewing your next contract as your last one?” seeking a bigger picture on Klay’s career and mindset. In response, he scoffingly nodded, saying, “Maybe. I don’t know when that time comes. I’m not tryna put an expiration date on my career. It’s kinda something to just go by fuel.” Another question is; is history repeating itself?

Klay is currently under a 5 year – $189 million contract. It came after he hit the free agency. Now, the Splash Brother can yet again become a free agent as soon as July hits.

He suffered an ACL injury on January 13, 2019, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. The injury came at a time when Golden State was already dealing with the loss of Kevin Durant to an Achilles. With that, the Warriors lost their chance at a three-peat, enabling Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors to win their first-ever championship. You might be wondering why we’re mentioning this now, however, there’s a major resemblance.

How is the Warriors’ Klay Thompson conundrum similar to 2019?

After his ACL tear in 2019, Klay Thompson returned to the NBA hardwood after more than 2 years. Regardless, Golden State, understanding the tenure of Klay’s recovery, had a tough call to make. On one hand, there is an obligation to tear a humongous cheque for an injured star right after ending their biggest run. On the other hand, they could use the cap space to fill the pure offensive void left by Kevin Durant, choosing to sign Klay later or through a smaller contract.

However, the Warriors’ office understood the skill set he brought to the floor. Coupling it with his chemistry with Steph and Dray, the Warriors signed Klay in the coming months; something they could repeat this year.

Klay’s one of the worst regular season performances has put an identical uncertainty around his future that the tragic 2019 injury put forth. Moreover, multiple factors are working against Klay this time. In 2019, Klay produced nearly 19 points per game throughout the playoffs pressure; better than his season-long 17.9 ppg that added to the Warriors’ struggles. Moreover, then there is his age, decreased defensive tenacity, lost step, and inconsistency.

Even though Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr resonated with a need for Klay’s presence in the future, the Warriors’ office has changed significantly in recent times. In fact, his Splash Brother went to the extent of saying that couldn’t imagine “any scenario where Klay leaves and that’s the best decision for this team and organization.”

With that, the question arises, will they re-sign Klay, or was the 2023-24 season the end of their dynasty?