Warriors tout Thompson’s deal as smart investment

Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers saw a familiar gesture when he walked through the locker room or onto the practice floor during the preseason, and it resonated with him as much as anything he heard at the negotiating table with Klay Thompson's representatives. Players would look at Myers, rub their fingers together and say: ''Pay the man.'' The Warriors did just that Friday, signing Thompson to a four-year maximum extension worth about $70 million. The team trotted out Thompson and Myers to formally announce the deal before Saturday night's home opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, giving the shooting guard star treatment. Myers touted Thompson as a franchise pillar alongside Stephen Curry.