Report: Klay Thompson, Warriors Owner Joe Lacob Have Strained Relationship

According to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, Klay Thompson and Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob have a strained relationship. 

Thompson and Lacob’s relationship has become strained over contract negotiations. Thompson becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. 

Lacob decided not to sign Thompson to an extension this season. 

“Thompson always knew he would likely have to wait until his free agency arrived this summer, what with Lacob’s well-chronicled hopes of ducking under the second (and possibly first) luxury tax apron compelling them to let the roster landscape fully unfold before adding salary,” Amick wrote. “But it’s clear their relationship has suffered some strain along the way, with league sources indicating that Thompson has received no assurances from on high that his hopes of retiring happily in a Warriors jersey someday will be a shared priority this summer. Both sides, it seems clear, have no clarity about what might happen when that time rolls around.”

One of the best shooters in NBA history, Thompson is averaging 16.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists this season while shooting 42.0% from the field, 37.8% from beyond the arc and 92.2% from the foul line.

According to NBA reporter Kendra Andrews of ESPN, Thompson is open to re-signing with the Warriors this offseason on a short-term deal.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told Andrews that Thompson yelled at him when the four-time champion was taken out of the starting lineup. Thompson apologized to Kerr and the assistant coaches after cooling off. 

Kerr recently signed a two-year extension with the Warriors. His current deal was set to expire at the end of this season.

Kerr’s $17.5 million-per-season extension takes him through the 2025-26 season. The extension aligns him with the two years left on Stephen Curry’s contract.

Getting Thompson a deal that would also align him with Curry and Kerr would be a viable option, Andrews reported.