Klay Thompson Rumors: Warriors Icon to Meet with Lakers, Clippers ...
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Longtime Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson is officially a free agent for the first time in his career, and he reportedly has a long list of teams that he intends to meet with this offseason.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Thompson "plans to have discussions with" the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks "in the opening hours of free agency."
ESPN's Bobby Marks explained that the Mavericks can give Thompson the highest amount in a deal for the 2024-25 season, and he added that the Sixers would still have room to add him even if they acquire star free agent Paul George:
Mavericks have a $16.1M trade exception created from the Tim Hardaway Jr. trade.<br><br>Lakers and Clippers would be $12.8M non-tax ML unless a sign/trade.<br><br>76ers could have $14M in room if Paul George signs with them. <a href="https://t.co/yMEkjHcltQ">https://t.co/yMEkjHcltQ</a>
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported on Sunday that there is a belief that Thompson would be open to accepting the $12.9 million mid-level exception from either Los Angeles team. It would be a surprising turn of events for the 34-year-old, as he turned down a two-year, $48 million offer from the Warriors prior to the 2023-24 season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Thompson was once one of the best two-way guards in the league, but injuries and age caused a dip in his production this past season. He averaged 17.9 points while shooting 38.7 percent from beyond the arc, his first time averaging less than 20 points since his third year in the NBA in 2013-14. His role was reduced throughout the season as the Warriors committed to giving minutes to younger players like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga.
Thompson leaving Golden State would mark the end of an era, but it seems like he believes he will have a better opportunity to contribute elsewhere. The Lakers, Clippers, Sixers and Mavs are all hoping to contend for an NBA title next season, so the four-time champion would be a strong addition for any of them.
