How Draymond Green reacted to teammate Klay Thompson unfollowing the Warriors on Instagram

With free agency fast approaching it may be that the Warriors sharp-shooter is simply trying his hand at a tougher approach to negotiations. On the other hand, the uncertainty that his actions have created will likely need addressing.

Draymond Green thinks Klay Thompson’s move is funny

If you didn’t know, Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is set to become a free agent this offseason. Indeed, that notion was thrust into the spotlight on Friday when Thompson unfollowed his team on social media, which must be said is becoming a more common negotiating tactic used by players in recent years. It’s understood that along with unfollowing the Warriors’ account, Thompson also deleted some posts associated with the team. As you can probably guess, the move caused a degree of panic among Warriors fans.

That’s where Draymond Green comes in and as usual, the Warriors’ center had a slightly different opinion on things. “I know all of you are were probably looking forward to me talking about Klay unfollowing the Warriors, deleting some IG posts or something. I had no idea that happened. I think it’s f—ing hilarious,” he said on The Draymond Green Show. “I think that’s comical. I know you all would be wanting somebody’s feelings to be hurt or something. It ain’t that. It ain’t ever going to be that. That’s hilarious.”

OK, but what about Klay Thompson’s future with the Warriors?

To be fair to Green, the situation that Thompson is about to be in is one that he himself was in just last season, and that was just after he infamously punched his then-teammate Jordan Poole in the face. Despite the rumors that he was going to be on his way out, the franchise ultimately chose to retain his services and so a four-year deal was offered, which Green accepted.

Does this have anything to do with Thompson? No, however, it is reasonable to believe that Green’s apparent indifference is based on the idea that he’s been there before and it all worked out. As for Thompson himself, what we do know is that the Warriors are yet to put any new offer on the table. The last we know of was a $48 million deal that was offered to the 34-year-old more than two years ago. At the time Thompson rejected the offer and by the looks of things today, it would seem his position on the matter has only deteriorated. Where context is concerned, we also know that Brandin Podziemski is now a reliable replacement, while Jonathan Kuminga will be looking for a new deal soon as well i.e., the Warriors are looking at some major spending in the near future, something that will only push the already exorbitant tax up.

So, what comes next? Warriors owner Joe Lacob has indicated that his preference would be that the franchise avoids the tax altogether this coming season. While that doesn’t automatically mean they will cut ties with Thompson, it certainly seems to point to a situation where they won’t pay him what he wants. With that in mind, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the market has taken notice with some reports suggesting that the Orlando Magic have inquired. Truthfully, they won’t be the only ones. Yet, it’s worth noting once again that unfollowing your team on social media is a common move made by players looking for a better deal. Truthfully, if Thompson does leave it will likely be related to the real financial hurdles that the Warriors face rather than any bad blood between the two parties. Watch this space.