The Golden State Warriors revolutionized the game of basketball during the 2010s. They’re arguably one of the most dominant dynasties to have ever competed in the NBA as well. Winning four titles in eight years isn’t an easy task. Especially considering how the league expands and includes new players every year. Even today, a new wave of players has started to take over the scene but the Warriors are somehow staying relevant.
Last year, Stephen Curry led the team to their fourth title reign. His dominance was incredible considering how they were fighting for a playoff spot the year before. Klay Thompson‘s return played a vital role in their success while Draymond Green continued to mentor the younger players and anchor the defense. Things have not gone their way this year. They started the season with a terrible record but managed to land the sixth seed.
Members inside the Warriors organization still believe their core can compete for titles because Stephen Curry remains a top-five player in the NBA and both Draymond Green and Klay Thompson aren’t showing signs of a steep decline, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/kQmmCJ4y1S
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 13, 2023
They beat the Sacramento Kings during the first round in seven games. The Los Angeles Lakers were viewed as an easy flyby for the Warriors, but LA’s resurgence got the best of the veteran team.
The Golden State Warriors General Manager Bob Myers and other members of the organization believe that they can still compete for titles with their core team of Curry, Thompson, and Draymond. They claim that Curry is still a top-five player while the other two have not declined.
Golden State Warriors intend on requesting Klay Thompson to take a pay cut next season
Even though the Golden State Warriors front office believes that they can work things out, fans have been saying otherwise. Dub Nation has not shown too much trust in Draymond and Klay as much as they do in Steph. Thompson had one of his worst playoff runs this year against the Lakers. He averaged 16.6 points in the series and never made over three shots during his last three games against the Lakers.
The Warriors intend to ask Klay Thompson to take a paycut if he signs an extension this summer, per @ShamsCharania and @anthonyVslater. pic.twitter.com/yW4acnTOBj
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 13, 2023
Bob Myers still plans on retaining Thompson for the foreseeable future but the Warriors intend on asking him to take a pay cut. Thompson is eligible for an extension during the offseason. He has only one year left on his existing contract. Klay signed a five-year deal worth $189 million back in 2019.
A pay cut could mean that the Golden State Warriors will acquire more pieces to place around the core three. Things are yet to be confirmed by the Warriors franchise. Green is also expected to sign an extension but he won’t be given a pay cut as his contract is significantly smaller than Thompson’s.