A significant part of the Golden State Warriors' winning ways as of late, Klay Thompson landed himself a massive $80 million dollar contract extension with Chinese sneaker brand Anta this past summer. In two years, Thompson will have another life-changing extension offer come across his desk when the Warriors make an effort to retain his services and keep him from leaving in free agency. While keeping the core of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Thompson together will be difficult financially, the sharpshooter is sending some encouraging vibes to Dub Nation due to his dealings with companies like Anta.
Speaking to a group of reporters in China today, including the Mercury News' Mark Medina, Thompson addressed the possibility of sticking around at a discounted rate.
“We’re talking like 24 months away,” said Thompson. “But it’s something that definitely crossed my mind, especially when you see guys like Kevin (Durant) doing it.”
More specifically, Thompson believes his off-court- ventures, like the 10-year deal with Anta, makes accepting a discount a little more likely.
“100 percent, it’d be different if I was making scraps off the court,” he said. “But I’ve been very blessed to be a part of winning team. When you’re part of a winning team, everybody gets to eat. So that’s why I’m indebted to the guys around me. Without them, I would not have the deals that I have.”
As Cleveland Cavaliers fans will attest to, a lot can change in two years. Not only is Thompson due a big payday, but even as one of the best two-way players in the league, he's generally perceived as the fourth most important player on his current team. Perhaps after another title or two, he'll have a Kyrie Irving-like desire to be the face of a franchise elsewhere. The Summer of 2019 will be one to keep an eye on.
