Klay Thompson could become a free agent after the 2014-15 NBA season, but the sharp-shooting guard said that he is not bothered by his contract situation with the Golden State Warriors.
Thompson previously reiterated that he wants to stay in Golden State in the long run, but he could become a restricted free agent if no contract extension is signed until the October 31 deadline.
But while he wants to secure his future with the Warriors as soon as possible, Thompson reiterated in an interview with the San Jose Mercury News that the lack of contract for next year won't hold him back in the upcoming NBA season.
"I hope it gets resolved, but it's not going to hold me back," said Thompson, who is coming off an impressive stint with Team USA at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. "I'm still going to go out and do what I do. Life is great."
Thompson could also opt to sign a short-term extension with the Warriors and become a free agent again in the summer of 2016, knowing that he could get a bigger deal once the new TV deal takes into effect.
While waiting for 2016 is a tempting option because the salary cap is expected to increase because of the new nine-year TV deal worth $24 billion, he'd rather secure his future now in Golden State.
"It really is tempting to do all that," said Thompson, who averaged a career-high 18.4 points to go along with 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists last season. "But I'd rather have the security right now, you know?"
Stephen Curry, the other half of the "Splash Brothers" of the Warriors, also expressed confidence that Thompson will continue to impress in the upcoming season even if the two sides will fail to sign a contract extension until the deadline later this month.
"Obviously he has a lot going on off the court, but you see him in practice and training camp, and it's all about making the most of that opportunity to get better, knowing he's in his fourth year and nowhere near his ceiling," said Curry, who combined for 42.4 points and 10.7 assists with Thompson last season.
Should Thompson hit free agency, several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves are expected to make a strong push to acquire him next summer.
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