Klay Thompson has won four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors. The sharpshooting guard has been a key component in his team’s dominance over the past decade. Thompson is also an underrated perimeter defender. Entering his second full season since returning from two major injuries, Thompson will likely be aiming to return to the All-Star team and challenge for another championship.
However, according to Frank Urbina of HoopsHype, Thompson ranks third among the most overpaid stars in NBA history, sitting behind Gordon Hayward and John Wall. Thompson has earned $226.3 million throughout his career, taking home an estimated $96 million more than his on-court value has supposedly provided the Warriors.
Buy Warriors Tickets“Thompson’s back-to-back major injuries to his ACL and Achilles didn’t help matters as just this past season. Real Value had him worth $8.7 million while he actually earned $30.1 million for a $21.3 million overpay,” Urbina wrote. “Maybe that’s why Golden State opted not to sign Thompson to an extension this offseason and is letting him unrestricted free agency next year. That will be a fascinating free agency to watch unfold.”
This season will be the final year of Thompson’s five-year $189 million deal. Golden State owner Joe Lacob has already noted how the front office wishes to keep Thompson beyond his current contract, although serious negotiations have yet to take place.
Thompson flashed his championship-caliber upside last season, as he had multiple spells of elite shooting and above-average defense. If the 33-year-old can continue to build on last season and raise his game to previous levels, he could be a major catalyst in the Warriors returning to the NBA Finals.
