Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson Take Note of Jrue Holiday's Contract Extension
ICARO Media Group
The Golden State Warriors and shooting guard Klay Thompson have reportedly taken notice of Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday's recent contract extension, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe. Thompson, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, and the Warriors paid close attention to Holiday's four-year, $135 million deal that he signed with the Celtics on April 10.
Thompson, a five-time All-Star, has spent his entire career with the Warriors since being drafted in 2011. However, he played out the final year of his previous five-year, $190 million contract during the 2023-24 season. The 34-year-old sharpshooter had a somewhat challenging season, struggling with consistency as his scoring average of 17.9 points per game was his lowest since 2013. Additionally, he shot a relatively low 38.7 percent from three-point range, the second-lowest of his career.
Head coach Steve Kerr even experimented with Thompson coming off the bench in 14 games throughout the season, highlighting the team's search for the right balance. Thompson's performance and uncertain contract situation have now put him in the spotlight as he heads towards free agency.
Further details from Shams Charania of The Athletic revealed that Thompson turned down a two-year, $48 million extension offered by the Warriors during the 2023 offseason. With both Thompson and the Warriors reportedly taking note of Holiday's new contract, it suggests that they could be considering a long-term deal for their long-time shooting guard.
The Warriors will likely weigh their options carefully, taking into account Thompson's contributions to the team over the years, as well as his recent struggles and injury history. As the offseason approaches, negotiations between the team and Thompson will be closely monitored by fans and NBA followers alike, eager to see what the future holds for the sharpshooting guard and his relationship with the Warriors.
It remains to be seen whether Thompson's value in the market matches his past accomplishments and potential impact moving forward. Nevertheless, the attention given to Holiday's contract extension has sparked speculation about the future of Thompson in a Warriors uniform.