The future of Klay Thompson is up in the air, as the four-time NBA champion hits free agency, and Thompson himself has been pretty clear that he at least plans to test the waters of the open market after 13 years with the Warriors.
Thompson has spent all of a few hours of his 13-year career as a free agent. His only foray into free agency came in 2019, weeks after he tore his ACL during the NBA Finals, but Golden State quickly reeled him back in with a five-year deal.
As that contract expires, the outlook for both Thompson and the Warriors is much different than it was five years ago. Does that mean a divorce is on the horizon?Here’s a look at the latest news and rumors surrounding Thompson’s free-agent decision.
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Klay Thompson to speak with at least four teams in free agency
Thompson is expected to speak with the Mavericks, Lakers, Clippers and 76ers as the free agency period has begun. He could sign with any club or work out a sign-and-trade with the Warriors.
Klay Thompson, Warriors exploring sign-and-trade options
Thompson will be leaving the Warriors in free agency, and the two sides are exploring sign-and-trade options. It’s not a done deal that Golden State will find a suitor for Thompson in the trade market, but the two sides have agreed to part ways.
The five-time All-Star will be heavily recruited via free agency if not acquired through a sign and trade.
LeBron James ‘hopeful’ for Klay Thompson signing with Lakers
With Warriors huard Klay Thompson expected to hit free agency, LeBron James has reportedly voiced his interest in the Laker bringing him to Los Angeles. The Lakers and Mavericks are two clubs closely tied to the 3-point weapon.
LeBron James opted out of his offer today, but is expected to re-sign a new deal with Los Angeles, who also just drafted his son, Bronny, at the 2024 NBA Draft.
Warriors prepared to lose Klay Thompson in free agency
Golden State is prepared to lose shooting guard Klay Thompson in free agency this summer, according to The Athletic.
Charania said that the two sides “have had close to no communication since the negotiating period opened for incumbent free agents nearly two weeks ago and no offer has been made.” There is interest expected on the open market for the sharpshooter.
Warriors are prioritizing Paul George over Klay Thompson
Marc Stein has reported that the Warriors are focused on acquiring Paul George rather than re-signing Thompson.
“Golden State has this week prioritized the trade pursuit of the LA Clippers’ Paul George above all other business,” Stein said.
This could mark the end of the Splash Brothers era in Golden State if Thompson does decide to leave via free agency. He’s been linked to multiple different teams, including the Dallas Mavericks.
“It will take time for many NBA-watchers to get used to the idea of Klay Thompson in a different uniform if he is indeed prepared to leave the Golden State Warriors in free agency,” Stein said. “The signs, though, have frankly never pointed more strongly to it.”
76ers, Nuggets interested in luring Thompson
The 76ers and Nuggets are two teams who would have interest in Thompson if he decided to leave the Warriors, The Athletic reported.
Philadelphia attempted to bolster its shot-making ability by trading for Buddy Hield at the trade deadline this season, but Hield largely struggled with the 76ers and is set to become a free agent himself. Thompson, while not as consistent from deep as he once was, could fill that same shooting role for the Sixers.
The Nuggets could be looking to replace free agent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, though it likely wouldn’t be financially possible to retain Caldwell-Pope while also bringing in Thompson.
Mavericks could target Thompson after Hardaway deal
The Mavericks are exploring the “feasibility” of signing Thompson in free agency, according to Marc Stein.
Dallas opened up some financial flexibility by unloading Tim Hardaway Jr.’s deal in a trade with the Pistons on Friday, which could be one step toward a pursuit of Thompson.
The Mavericks rebuilt their frontcourt over the past year, drafting Dereck Lively II while trading for P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, but a true shooter still looked like it was missing during the NBA Finals. Thompson wouldn’t be forced into a premier offensive role given the presence of both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas, but the Mavericks might see him as a missing piece as they try to keep themselves in title contention next season.
Stein later reported that there is mutual interest between Thompson and the Mavericks.
“Amid a growing belief leaguewide that Thompson’s relationship with the Golden State Warriors is irretrievable, strong mutual interest between Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks is expected when free agency opens Sunday evening,” Stein reported.
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Warriors’ negotiations with Thompson ‘stalled’
The Warriors are “far apart” in negotiations with Thompson, according to The Ringer, with contract talks “stalled” for now.
The report is a reminder that it’s far from a foregone conclusion that Thompson leaves the Warriors, with both sides at least making an effort to reach a new deal, but no deal appears to be close.
Golden State is still trying to figure out how to move Chris Paul and his hefty salary, while Andrew Wiggins could also be a trade candidate. The success of those efforts to shed salary could determine whether the Warriors can realistically retain Thompson.
