The message from the Warriors is clear – they are eager for Klay Thompson to return, and General Manager Mike Dunleavy is the latest member of the organization to express this sentiment.
After a difficult end to the season, Klay is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
His teammates Steph Curry, Draymond Green, coach Steve Kerr, and now Dunleavy have all voiced their desire to re-sign the four-time champion.
“Well, considering they won four [championships] before, I would say it’s well within the realm of reasonability,” Dunleavy said in a statement on Thursday. “But we all want Klay back, first and foremost. I communicated that to him yesterday. Our players, coach, front office, and ownership have all expressed the same sentiment.
“Everyone is eager to have Klay back.”
Dunleavy also expressed his optimism about retaining Klay in The Bay.
“I think it’s a mutual feeling,” Dunleavy said. “He has been with us for a long time and is incredibly valuable to the organization. We truly appreciate him. So, I believe we can make it happen.”
“But it’s a two-way street. Both parties need to be on board. And we will work through that process.”
Kerr mentioned on Thursday, “There is great value in having our three guys remain Warriors for life. There is dignity in finishing here.”
After a turbulent season, the Warriors barely made it to the Play-In round.
They suffered a disappointing 118-94 loss to the Sacramento Kings, and Dunleavy believes this setback presents an opportunity for the team to bounce back.
“I think the prevailing emotion right now is disappointment. We are still coming to terms with what happened,” Dunleavy stated on Thursday. “But overall, we knew this season, no matter how far it went, would likely end in disappointment, so it’s not entirely unexpected. But in terms of our next steps, it’s clear – we need to improve. This challenge presents an opportunity for growth for everyone involved.”
