The Golden State Warriors season has come to an end, but their offseason is just beginning. They must prepare for the pending free agencies of two of their key players, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson. They plan on doing so by offering them max deals.
According to Brian Windhorst, the Warriors intend to offer five-year max contracts. He spoke about it while on ESPN’s First Take.
“It is my understanding in talking to people with the Warriors organization is that their intention is to continue and offer Kevin Durant a full five-year max contract and to offer Klay a full five-year max contract,” Windhorst said.
Windhorst also mentioned that Golden State would be on the hook for over $350 million in payroll and luxury taxes if they sign both players. He also said their upcoming move to San Franciso will be profitable and will bring in revenue to pay for the deals.
Windhorst’s news came after the Warriors lost the NBA Finals.
On Thursday, the Warriors lost the Finals to the Toronto Raptors. They lost the series 4-2 after a 114-110 loss in Game 6. In their final game in Oracle Arena, the Warriors battled in a close game with the Raptors. They came up short showed why they are three-time champions. They battled with the Raptors despite an unfortunate injury in the second half.
In Game 6, the Warriors lost one of their key players. The Warriors lost Thompson with 2:22 left in the third quarter. He returned to shoot his free-throws but later left the arena on crutches. The Warriors later confirmed that he suffered a torn ACL. His injury was one game after the Warriors lost another player.
In Game 5, Durant returned after missing several games. He scored 11 points before exiting the game. Durant ruptured his Achilles and will miss the 2019-20 season.
Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson (Photo by Eric Gay / Associated Press)
Both players suffered unfortunate injuries as they can become free agents this summer. Durant has a player option, and Thompson is an unrestricted free agent. Before their injuries, both teams were the subject of rumors. Durant and Thompson were expected to leave the Warriors and sign elsewhere this summer. Now, their injuries could affect their free agencies.
After Game 6, Durant FaceTimed Thompson. Mychal Thompson, Klay Thompson’s father, heard the conversation.
“They got unfinished business,” he said.
He also said his son is likely re-signing with the Warriors. If so, the Warriors are prepared to offer them max deals.
Featured image courtesy of Getty Images
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