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[Saba Sports News] The Golden State Warriors are facing the possible loss of a key player from their dominant core, but head coach Steve Kerr hopes to keep the team intact for at least another season.
Appearing on “The Jim Rome Show” Tuesday, Kerr addressed the potential of Klay Thompson leaving in free agency. He expressed a strong desire for Thompson to stay with the Warriors.
“This is the way it works in the NBA or any professional sports. There are difficult moments involving money, contracts, and respect,” Kerr said. “Klay has been an integral part of everything here. He’s a multi-time champion and has a deep connection with the Bay Area, the franchise, and his teammates.
“We want Klay back desperately. I want him back desperately. We will have our conversations, and he will make his decision, but we really want him back. He’s Klay Thompson.”
Thompson, drafted by the Warriors with the 11th overall pick in 2011, has won four championships with the team, consistently playing alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. While rival teams may offer him more money and a potential fresh start, Kerr hopes to retain the sharpshooter.
Recent reports suggest Thompson and the Warriors are far from a contract agreement, making it likely he will test free agency first.
This season, Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game and played in 77 games despite a history of lower-body injuries. However, his role was reduced late in the year. If the Warriors plan to continue reducing his role, Thompson might prefer to explore new opportunities.