Warriors Rumors: Klay Thompson, GS Have Not Had 'Substantive' New Contract Talks

The Golden State Warriors "did not hold substantive discussions" with Klay Thompson about a new contract this offseason, according to Zach Lowe of ESPN.

The guard is signed through the 2023-24 season with $43.2 million owed next year.

Though the Warriors can agree to a new deal with Thompson next offseason, Lowe argued that a new contract would result in an "unprecedented and probably untenable tax bill" unless someone on the roster takes a "drastic pay cut."

After agreeing to new contracts with Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole this offseason, the Warriors already have a league-high $231.7 million total cap for 2023-24.

According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, the team's total bill for next season could be $483 million, including a $268 million luxury tax.

Even when Thompson and Draymond Green come off the books in 2024-25, the Warriors still owe over $112 million combined to just Stephen Curry, Poole and Wiggins.

It makes it unlikely Golden State signs Thompson to a new deal, especially with the veteran struggling at the start of this season. The 32-year-old is averaging just 13.3 points per game, while his 35.1 field-goal percentage and 29.5 three-point percentage would each be the worst marks of his career.

Though his seven games played is a small sample size, the Warriors could start giving more playing time to Poole if these struggles continue. It could signal the end of an era for the team's main core that won four titles in eight years.