The Golden State Warriors' star shooting guard, Klay Thompson, finds himself at a crossroads as his contract negotiations with the team have hit a roadblock. Thompson's performance this season has left doubts about his future earnings and potential suitors, raising questions about the direction of the Warriors' roster.

During Tuesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns, Thompson sat on the bench in crunch time, allowing rookie Brandin Podziemski to gain valuable minutes. Warriors coach Steve Kerr explained that he played the best-performing players and admitted that Thompson's recent performances had been underwhelming. The 31-year-old player himself acknowledged that he has not been at his best, accepting responsibility for his lackluster play.

The statistics paint a similar picture of Thompson's struggles. Averaging 15.4 points per game, he has been shooting a modest 34.3% from beyond the arc. With a true shooting percentage of 53.7%, well below the league average, Thompson's defensive prowess has also declined since his unfortunate series of major injuries. These factors have impacted the ongoing contract discussions between Thompson and the Warriors.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, negotiations have faltered due to disagreements over salary and the proposed length of the extension. The Warriors reportedly offered Thompson a two-year deal worth around $48 million before the start of the season. This potential pay cut did not align with Thompson's expectations, leading him to bet on himself this season in the hopes of proving his worth. However, his performance thus far has not yielded the desired results.

The stalemate in negotiations possibly stems from Thompson's desire for additional security and a longer contract. The Warriors' offer would have aligned his contract with those of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins, each of whom has one player-option year beyond the proposed extension. Thompson, however, may have envisioned a different path for his future.

Thompson's lackluster play has not attracted significant attention from other teams either. While his value to the Warriors is undeniable due to his history and contributions, his current performance may limit his market value. A potential $24 million salary per year could be the upper limit for his current play level.

The Warriors' front office has been preparing for a shift away from the "Splash Brothers" era, but the team's performance this season, excluding the timeless brilliance of Stephen Curry, may accelerate the process. Difficult decisions loom ahead for the organization. Will they choose to stick with the current roster or initiate a transition sooner than anticipated?

Klay Thompson's upcoming contract will serve as a litmus test, revealing the Warriors' front office's vision for the future. His next season's salary and potential team affiliation will provide crucial insights into the team's strategy moving forward. As uncertainties cloud Thompson's future, fans and analysts eagerly await the resolution of this contract impasse.