The Golden State Warriors play tonight’s game with all eyes on them and several question marks on their head. Starting with the struggles of their ongoing campaign, which finds itself in an elimination game with the Sacramento Kings. If they manage to win, they face the same stakes against the New Orleans Pelicans to solidify a playoff spot. Regardless of their endurance, several names claim their 2023-24 run to be the end of their dynasty. One of them is Colin Cowherd, who declared it in a recent podcast. Now, it seems like he has a supporting cast.

While breaking down the Warriors’ play-in game with the Kings, Colin asked Nick Wright if the Warriors dynasty would fall apart if Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson “lose to Sacramento.” Wright immediately claimed that tonight “in that building this would be the biggest win for the Kings in 20 years.” Moreover, he claims, “I think we are less than 12 hours away from the final game Steph, Klay, and Draymond play together.” With that, and Klay Thompson’s pending extension, Wright boldly cites, “It just feels like this [Sacramento game] is the last stand.”

The biggest threat to the Warriors’ big-three stands as Klay’s current contract. Thompson will be a free agent ahead of the 2023-24 season, ending his 5-year $43,219,440 deal. On the other hand, the Warriors have aligned the contracts of Stephen Curry (2021) and Steve Kerr (2023-24 mid-season) until the end of 2025-26 season. Moreover, they provided Green (2023 off-season) with a player option, enabling him to end his Warriors tenure alongside Steph and Kerr. With that, Klay remains as the only loose pillar, with a potential of dismantling the most dominant unit of the past decade.

The Warriors can align Klay’s contract with Stephen Curry and Kerr

One of the biggest reason behind Klay Thompson‘s longtime-due extension is the amount 34-year-old is eligible for. The sharpshooter is cleared to sign a $223 million contract extension (maximum). However, his declined production, lost step on defense, aging skills and injury history marks concerning factors for the franchise. With that, Klay believed he could increase his stock through the 2023-24 tenure. However, his 17.9 scoring average this season is his lowest since 2013, with his 38.7% three-point clip being the second lowest of his career.

This led to Steve Kerr forcing Thompson on the bench and experimenting with his starting role. Soon, Klay, with reduced expectations, found his shooting touch. Moreover, just like Darvin Ham’s early season decision with Austin Reaves on the Lakers, the Warriors began streaking, winning 5 of their next 6 games.

Trending

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Bronny’s Suffering Doesn’t Affect Brother Bryce as LeBron James’ Younger Son Sees Stability Financially

April 28, 2024 02:24 PM EDT

LeBron James Raids Wife Savannah’s Wardrobe For Game 4 Win, Leaving 35YO Stylist “Weak”

April 28, 2024 07:16 PM EDT

Nike EYBL: Emotional Kiyan Anthony Talks About Father Carmelo While Bryce James Hails 17YO Brodie

April 28, 2024 04:08 PM EDT

“That Was Too Much”: LeBron Gave Bryce James a Tough Pill to Swallow 1 Week Before His Nike EYBL Game

April 29, 2024 02:32 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

With that, ESPN’s Kendra Andrews revealed that Klay, happy with his new role, is open to a shorter-term. Moreover, the reports also claimed that Klay’s priorities saw a shift from the starting role and money being a deal-breaker.

Throughout the season, Klay’s performance saw an increase in production. His scoring improved to 19.8 points per game, while his three-point clip touched 42.8% mark (his second career-best) in the 14 games off the bench.

With that, as the Warriors shake things up into the off-season, they can utilize the cap-space to secure Klay’s services; just like they did with Draymond last year. With that, even if Klay becomes a free-agent this summer, there is a possibility that Warriors could retain their big-3.