We want him back – General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. on retaining Klay Thompson

Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has clarified that they want to retain Klay Thompson amid negotiations. With the start of free agency, Mike Dunleavy Jr. has revealed that the franchise wants Thompson back.

The Warriors have a lot of questions to answer for their roster if they want to be in the mix for the NBA championship. 

“I think being reasonable and rational, that’s always how I’m going to operate but to say about a guy like Klay Thompson, who’s meant so much to this franchise, to completely strip the emotion away from it, I think that’s almost impossible,” Dunleavy said, speaking at his pre-draft news conference Monday.

Negotiations began between the Dubs and Thompson soon after the NBA finals but since then there hasn’t been much communication between the two parties.

The final decision will be Thompson but it has been reported that he wants to test free agency before the final call is taken.

“I think it’s about what the right thing that works for the franchise and the player and the role he is in,” Dunleavy said. “Factoring all of those things in is what’s most important, and that’s what is taking place and what we’re looking at. … There are probably varying degrees of what that value is, but that’s on me to figure out what the right amount is for our team.”

The Warriors also need to take a call on veteran Chris Paul’s future, who has a $30 million non-guaranteed salary for 2024-25.

“We’re looking through everything,” Dunleavy said. “A lot of options are still on the table in terms of keeping Chris. Obviously there’s a scenario where he gets waived … but I’d say everything is open.”

Warriors have $175 million in salary for 2024-25 and Dunleavy said they need to be smart about managing their money.

“It’s about being smart about it,” Dunleavy said. “It’s more like if there’s a point to go over the tax or one of the aprons, then we will do it. The most important thing to [Lacob] is winning. He’s shown that. You just have to be careful with the new rules.”