Report: Thompson open to taking pay cut to stay with Warriors

How badly does Klay Thompson want to stay in the Bay Area? Badly enough to entertain a major pay cut during the prime of his career, apparently.

The Golden State Warriors' star swingman has talked to his front office about signing a long-term extension this summer that would significantly reduce his earning potential and allow the team a better opportunity to balance its books, sources told The Athletic's Marcus Thompson II.

If Thompson finished his current deal, which runs through the end of 2018-19, he could garner a contract as high as $188 million over five seasons. With massive deals expected to be on the books for Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, however, the likelihood of him staying with the Warriors on a contract of that magnitude is low, barring the team paying a hefty luxury tax.

If he signed his extension this summer, however, the Warriors could lock him in for the next five seasons at $121 million, as his annual raises would be capped under the current collective bargaining agreement.

Without him taking a pay cut or the Warriors' payroll reaching previously unseen heights, Thompson's future with the only franchise he's ever known would be in serious jeopardy. The team could pre-emptively trade him before the end of his current deal or risk losing him in summer 2019 for little to nothing. Either option would break up a dynastic Warriors core that has captured two championships over the past three seasons.