Thompson, Warriors agree to big contract extension

The Golden State Warriors and fourth-year guard Klay Thompson have agreed to a four-year, $70 million extension, two people with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.

The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced.

There is no option — team or player — on the deal.

Thompson averaged 18.4 points and shot 42% from three-point range last season to help lead the Warriors to the playoffs, where they lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round in seven games.

"It's hard for me to express how excited and happy I am to know that I will be playing in front of the best fans in the NBA for a long time," Thompson said in a statement. "This team, under this ownership group and with this collection of players, has an incredibly bright future. I could not ask for a better situation and am extremely thankful."

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The Warriors made it clear they wanted Thompson long-term when they refused to trade him to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a deal for Kevin Love, who eventually was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Thompson and Stephen Curry form one of the most potent backcourts in the NBA. Curry is a 43% shooter from three-point range.

Thompson was one of the best players for USA Basketball during their run to the FIBA World Cup championship in the summer, averaging 12.7 points.

Warriors general manager Bob Myers and Thompson will hold a news conference to formally announce the deal before Saturday night's home opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. In a statement, Myers also praised ownership's commitment to winning and said the team is "excited to have one of the top young players in the NBA under contract for the next several years."

Follow Sam Amick on Twitter @sam_amick. Contributing: Associated Press.