Isiah Thomas claims Steph Curry and Klay Thompson like 'peanut butter and jelly,' can't imagine one without the other - "Steph Curry will retire before Klay Thompson is traded"
Isiah Thomas doesn't see Steph Curry and Klay Thompson going to war without each other. The former NBA superstar weighed in on their partnership during an appearance on the "Know Mercy with Stephen A. Smith" podcast.
Smith suggested the Warriors should consider trading Thompson to the LA Lakers for Anthony Davis. The Dubs have the highest payroll in the NBA. They have already extended Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins this offseason.
This raises concerns about their ability to extend veteran stars like Thompson and Draymond Green. Both are eligible for an extension. However, Thomas doesn't believe the Warriors will give up the sharpshooting guard. Here's what he said:
"I would say to you, Golden State ain't giving up Klay Thompson. Steph Curry will retire before Klay Thompson is traded. I can't imagine Steph without Klay, I mean you know they like go together, they like peanut butter and jelly."
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have been among the best duos in the NBA for almost a decade. Their partnership has been smooth through the years, with both players allowing each other to excel by playing a selfless brand of basketball.
Thompson has done an excellent job sticking to his role as the No. 2 option behind Curry. Curry has also made an effort to let Thompson take charge when he gets going, which helps them balance their equation. Their chemistry has been unparalleled since they became teammates and has allowed them to stay on the same page for so many years.
Due to this, there haven't been any ego issues between the backcourt partners. They’ve been vital to the team's success in winning four championships in the past eight years.
Also read: Video: "All we do is shoot 3s and win championships!" - Klay Thompson ecstatic in celebration with Steph Curry as the Splash Brothers win their 4th NBA title in 8 years
Klay Thompson may have to take a pay cut to continue his partnership with Steph Curry
The Golden State Warriors have been in no rush to extend the contracts of veteran players Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Both have two years left on their current deals. Thompson has a guaranteed contract for both years, while Green has a player option for next season.
The Warriors extended Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins to multi-year deals worth more than $200 million combined. It's a clear indication that their focus is on keeping their younger stars, with their veteran core of Steph Curry, Thompson and Green on the wrong side of their 30s.
The Warriors will need to maintain flexibility to maintain their squad depth. To do that, players like Thompson and Green will likely have to take a pay cut on their next contract.
Thompson doesn't have a case to make to demand a max contract. He sustained back-to-back lower leg injuries, missing out on two-and-a-half years worth of NBA basketball between 2019 and 2021. Thompson returned to help the Warriors to a championship run last year.
However, due to age and the impact of his injuries, he is on a decline. This makes it difficult for him to secure a maximum contract from the Dubs or elsewhere when he enters free agency in 2024 as a 34-year-old.
Also read: Charles Barkley responds to Klay Thompson's comments from last week: "When you get older, time ain't your friend"
There hasn't been any substantial talks over an extension between him and the organization. However, all signs point toward him taking a pay cut on his next deal, so the likeliness of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson continuing their partnership for years looks good.
Click here to listen to Isiah Thomas' comments on Curry and Thompson.