Klay Thompson spent this previous season combating in opposition to father time as he performed out the ultimate yr of his contract with the Golden State Warriors. Thompson nonetheless shot the ball properly from three-point vary (38.7 p.c), however it was clear he misplaced a step when it comes to his effectiveness at each ends of the ground.
Because the Warriors missed the 2024 NBA Playoffs, hypothesis about Thompson’s future in free company grew to become much more intense. With the negotiating window now open between gamers and their incumbent groups, it’s trying increasingly more like Thompson and the Warriors are heading for a cut up.
The Warriors shouldn’t have a suggestion on the desk to Thompson proper now forward of NBA free company, in keeping with Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Talks between the Warriors and Thompson are being described as “frozen,” possible resulting in the 34-year-old testing the open marketplace for the primary time in his profession.
Thompson reportedly turned down a two-year, $48 million extension from the Warriors final summer season, in keeping with NBA insider Shams Charania. That deal is seemingly now not on the desk from Golden State, and it’s potential Thompson received’t see that kind of cash from some other suitor given the shortage of groups with cap house this summer season.
Proper now, solely the Pistons, Magic, 76ers, Jazz, Spurs, and Thunder seem to have a pathway to substantial cap house. Thompson could be theoretical match for a few these groups, however provided that they resolve he’s value their funding over youthful free brokers. Orlando has been rumored to have curiosity in Thompson, however the membership reportedly solely needs to supply two-year offers to free brokers, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports activities. That wasn’t ok for Thompson a yr in the past, however at this level he could don’t have any different selection.
The Magic might additionally select to spend their cash on Nuggets free agent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, in keeping with Fischer. KCP is just a few years youthful than Thompson, shot the ball higher from the skin the previous few seasons, and has a superior defensive repute at this level in his profession.
Thompson has spend his total profession with the Warriors since being chosen with the No. 11 general choose by the franchise again in 2012. He has received 4 championships taking part in alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Inexperienced.
It might really feel so improper to see Thompson in one other uniform, however it positive seems to be like that’s the way in which it’s headed. NBA free company opens up on June 30.
