Home Sport Warriors’ Mike Dunleavy supports Klay Thompson and Draymond Green’s comeback amid NBA speculation

Warriors’ Mike Dunleavy supports Klay Thompson and Draymond Green’s comeback amid NBA speculation

Sport — 05/08/2024

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 02: Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green #23 celebrates with Klay Thompson #11 after scoring late in the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center on April 2, 2024, in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: By downloading and/or using this photograph, User expressly accepts and agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images).

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Following the Golden State Warriors’ play-in loss, which eliminated them from postseason contention, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. reiterated his wish to keep Klay Thompson and Draymond Green around next season.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Klay Thompson #11 after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks late in the second half at Chase Center on April 02, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Thompson is set to enter free agency this offseason, but Dunleavy believes the shooting guard will stay with the Warriors.

“I think it’s a mutual feeling,” Dunleavy remarked on Thursday. “The guy has been here for a long time and is quite important to the group. We really value him, so there’s nothing to suggest that he wants to leave or that we don’t want him back. As a result, I’m hoping we can make it happen, but it’s a deal. Both sides must agree, and we will figure it out.”Warriors' Mike Dunleavy Jr. breaks silence on ominous Klay Thompson, Draymond Green futures

Dunleavy voiced a similar attitude about Green, who is under contract until at least 2025-26, adding that “he can’t imagine a scenario” in which Green isn’t with the Warriors next season.Warriors' Mike Dunleavy Backs Klay Thompson, Draymond Green to Return amid NBA Rumors | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report

Both Thompson and Green have contributed significantly to the Warriors’ dynasty, but neither had a particularly memorable 2023-24 season.

Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game, his lowest total since the 2012-12 season. In Golden State’s play-in loss, he did not score and went 0-for-10 from the field, increasing concerns about his future value to the Warriors.Warriors' Mike Dunleavy Backs Klay Thompson, Draymond Green to Return amid NBA Rumors | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report

Green averaged 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and six assists a game this season, but was a liability to the team owing to two suspensions. He received a five-game suspension in November and an indefinite suspension just six games after returning. He missed 16 games due to his indefinite suspension, and the Warriors went 8-8 during that time.Warriors' Mike Dunleavy Jr. breaks silence on ominous Klay Thompson, Draymond Green futures

Thompson is anticipated to be the primary focus this offseason as he reaches free agency. He has already been connected to the Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic, and more teams are expected to show interest in him in the coming months.

To become Finals contenders again, the Warriors will need to make a change, which may mean breaking up the trio of Thompson, Green, and Steph Curry. For now, Dunleavy intends to keep them together.