Jayson Tatum: ‘She always believed that I would get to where I am’

Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors have “essentially frozen” their talks on a new contract with open free agency a few days away. There is no deal currently on the table from the Warriors and no productive discussions at this point.

The Warriors would like to re-sign Thompson if the contract and role match their vision, sources tell The Athletic. Golden State, however, views his situation as being one they can work on once they explore other potential ways of addressing the roster. The lack of urgency on the part of the Warriors could reflect the way they view Thompson’s market.

The Warriors are seeking ways of making a larger update by trading Chris Paul’s non-guaranteed $30 million contract. Golden State has discussed the possibility with Paul of extending his guarantee date back from June 28 into July.

Despite some initial mutual interest, there is no traction between Thompson and the Orlando Magic. The rest of Thompson’s market is unclear at this point.

Even if the Warriors eventually match or exceed the money and years Thompson is offered from another team, sources say he could choose to leave regardless for a fresh start.

In a recent episode of First Take, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith discussed Zion Williamson’s one-game suspension from the New Orleans Pelicans. Williamson was suspended for a violation of team rules, which was later reported to be chronic lateness, including for a team flight.

According to Smith, this stems from the fact that Williamson no longer wishes to play in New Orleans.

“Zion doesn’t want to be in New Orleans, he doesn’t want to be there,” Smith said. “He wants to be in a major market like LA, New York, or whatever, because he wants the marketability.”

Smith went on to say that it’s unclear if Williamson cares enough to be a professional. He then reiterated that Williamson doesn’t want to continue to play for the Pelicans.

“You look at Zion Williamson right now, it’s becoming a joke,” Smith said. “You know that this brother has got superstar written all over him as a talent, but he doesn’t appear to care enough about being a professional and he certainly, I don’t believe, wants to be in New Orleans. I think he wants out, I think that’s what this is all about and I think he’d rather be someplace else. But why should anybody want him if this is what you’re going to get?”

Jayson Tatum is already climbing the all-time ranks in several categories for the Boston Celtics. But Tatum knows none of that matters if he doesn’t deliver Banner 18 to Boston.

“I would love to be on the Mount Rushmore of Celtics,” Tatum said. “Bird, Russell, Paul Pierce and those guys. They paved the way. The one thing all those guys have is chips. I have to get to the top of the mountain to even be considered as one of those guys. I want to be an all-time great, I want to be known as a winner, and I believe I will be.”

Tatum also said he’s happy for Jaylen Brown, and that Brown earned his super max contract extension. The Celtics star also said the young duo know that they will need to be the ones to lead Boston to their next title.

“We talk about it all the time. We are due to get over the hump,” Tatum says, relaying his conversations with Brown. “And it’s going to be well worth it when we do.”