Introduction:
90 million in 5 years! Klay's breakup with the Warriors is suspicious
In this NBA offseason, the ups and downs of the transfer market can always set off layers of waves, and this time, Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors, the cold-blooded killer on the three-point line, is standing on the cusp of public opinion.
90 million in 5 years, this number is like a string of mysterious codes that unlock the door in Clay's heart, and behind the door is the unspeakable story between him and the Warriors.
Is money to blame, or is there something else going on? Let's take a plate.
The Warrior Years: A magnificent turn from youth to legend
When it comes to Klay, how can you not mention his "Splash Brothers" with Stephen Curry? This duo is simply the brightest twin stars in NBA history, and they play the three-point shot with an artistic sense, which makes people shout "This game is on!" ”
Klay has grown from an obscure three-point shooter to the team's anchor, and in those years, together with Curry, he turned Oracle Arena into a nightmare for opponents with an accurate three-point shot.
Recalling Klay's highlight moments, such as Game 6 of the 2016 Western Conference Finals, facing the Thunder's desperate situation, he shot 11 of 18 three-pointers and pulled the Warriors back from the brink of elimination.
At that moment, he seemed to be the "savior" on the court, and every three-pointer was like a precision-guided missile, hitting the opponent's heart.
On the defensive end, Klay is the invisible shield of the Warriors, his close pressing, which gives headaches to many top scorers, and his defense, like his three-pointers, is silent but deadly.
Contract renewal turmoil: 90 million digital game
When the Warriors management threw out the olive branch of the 2-year 48 million contract extension, Klay may have ripples in his heart.
You know, for this former champion, this is not just a string of numbers, but also a recognition of his own value.
Clay may be thinking, "I've done my best for the team, even after a long period of rehabilitation, is it worth the price?" In comparison, the 4-year long contract between Dream Chaser Green and Wiggins undoubtedly made Clay feel mixed, as if he was labeled as "about to pass out".
Clay's inner drama may be like a silent movie, asking himself, "Is it because I'm older, or are they worried about my injury?" "This kind of psychological gap, like when you are full of joy and ready to eat a luxurious meal, but it turns out to be a fast food box lunch, which inevitably makes people feel disrespected.
Market Temptation: Clay, the Next Big Fish?
The transfer market won't leave a star player like Klay alone for long.
Lakers, Mavericks, Clippers...... The names of these teams are like magnets, clinging to Klay's name.
Especially the Lakers, James's "magician" operation, jumping out of a high contract, in order to make room for Klay, this plot is more exciting than Hollywood blockbusters.
On the Mavericks' side, the boss Cuban was even more direct, trading with Hardaway, making it clear that he was going to write a blank check to Clay, and waited for Clay to sign the pledge.
This kind of scene is like Klay becoming the champion of draft night, and each team has taken out their treasures just to win his favor.
Patrick Williams' "Reference Answer"
In other words, the story of the Bulls' contract extension with Patrick Williams is like a well-laid out script that makes the NBA's transfer theater lively again.
The No. 4 pick in 2020, Patrick Williams, the rising star in the basketball world, has been proud lately as he has reached a coveted five-year, $90 million contract letter of intent with the Bulls.
It's not just a bunch of numbers, it's a recognition of the young forward's potential, as if the Bulls were saying, "Look, here's the star of the future we're going to develop." ”
Looking back at Pavey's performance in the 2023-24 season, it was quite "steady and progressive".
In 43 regular season games, he averaged 27.3 minutes per game, and he contributed 10 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and close to 1 steal and 1 block across the board, shooting 44.3% from the field.
Such a report card, for a rookie who is still growing, is like telling everyone: "Don't worry, the show has just begun." ”
And when it comes to comparison, it is natural to Tiklay Thompson, the "cold-faced killer" on the three-point line.
Although Klay is 34 years old, in the 2023-24 season, he is still young, averaging 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists per game, shooting 38.7% from three-point range, and averaging 3.5 throws per game in 77 regular season games.
This data simply tells you, "the veteran is out, a top two".
This leads to an interesting topic: when Clay sees Pavey's contract, will he mutter: "Hey, my old arms and legs, although not as energetic as the young man, but experience and killer instinct at critical moments, aren't they worth more?" Clay's balance in his heart, on the one hand, his contribution to the team and dominance on the field, on the other side is age and potential injury risk, this choice is really a bit of a "fish and bear's paw".
Of course, Clay's value cannot be measured by numbers alone.
His position in the Warriors dynasty, his reversal of life at those critical moments, and his irreplaceable position in the hearts of fans are all intangible assets.
The contract comparison between Klay and Pavey, one is a veteran who has gone through the storm and the other is a rising star, and the contract comparison between the two is more like a dialogue between the two eras, which makes people wonder: in the NBA's business empire, is the potential more valuable, or is the immediate combat power better?
Future Conjecture: Clay's Crossroads
Clay's future is like two paths in front of him, one leading to the unknown adventure, and the other is the warmth of the familiar.
If he chooses to leave, it means a new beginning, Clay needs to adapt to a new environment and face new challenges, but is it not an opportunity for self-transcendence? And in the Warriors, if the two sides can sit down and find a balance calmly, then the story of Klay and the Warriors may be able to write a new chapter.
Epilogue:
The "breakup suspicion" between Klay and the Warriors is far more than a game of money.
It's about respect, self-worth, and thoughtfulness for the future.
Regardless of Klay's final decision, he has already left a mark on the history books of the NBA.
We hope that in the coming days, no matter what kind of jersey he wears, he will continue to "rain three points" on the court, and tell us with practical actions: "Veterans don't die, but they are gradually withering."
"Clay, every choice you make is more dazzling than that string of numbers.
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