Klay Thompson is ready to turn out to be a free agent this offseason, and on Friday, he seemingly used a standard negotiating tactic: unfollowing his current workforce on social media. Thompson unfollowed the Golden State Warriors on Instagram and reportedly deleted some posts, which triggered a little bit of panic amongst followers on the thought that it’d imply they had been shedding their legendary capturing guard.
Draymond Inexperienced instantly tried to downplay the state of affairs. “I do know all of you’re had been in all probability wanting ahead to me speaking about Klay unfollowing the Warriors, deleting some IG posts or one thing. I had no concept that occurred. I feel it is f—ing hilarious,” he stated on The Draymond Inexperienced Present. “I feel that is comical. I do know you all could be wanting any person’s emotions to be damage or one thing. It ain’t that. It ain’t ever going to be that. That is hilarious.”
Inexperienced has a little bit of expertise in terms of tense negotiations with the Warriors. He was a free agent final offseason, and after punching Jordan Poole and bowing out of the playoffs within the second spherical, there have been rumors suggesting that Golden State would now not be keen to pay him what he wished. Finally, although, the Warriors took care of their franchise icon and signed him to a four-year deal.
Up to now, they don’t seem to be identified to have prolonged the identical type of provide to Thompson. The largest provide they’re identified to have made was a $48 million pact over two years. Thompson declined that deal earlier than the season, and his negotiating stance has in all probability gotten worse within the time since. Brandin Podziemski has emerged as a viable capturing guard alternative. Jonathan Kuminga additionally proved that he’ll want a wholesome new contract beginning after subsequent season, which might solely enhance Golden State’s already hefty tax invoice.
Warriors proprietor Joe Lacob has claimed that the workforce’s most well-liked path this offseason could be to keep away from the tax totally, if potential. That does not imply they’re keen to chop Thompson unfastened to do it, however they in all probability aren’t going to pay him for his previous efficiency, both. The Orlando Magic have reportedly expressed curiosity in Thompson. Different contenders will possible attain out as effectively. Unfollowing the workforce on social media doesn’t suggest Thompson is leaving. Gamers accomplish that pretty regularly throughout contract negotiations, and it is extra of a transfer meant to drum up help throughout the fanbase than any type of lasting shot on the workforce. However there’s a likelihood the Warriors lose Thompson do to way more tangible monetary considerations. You may’t pay everybody ceaselessly.
