Warriors fans get ready, because Klay Thompson will be in a different NBA jersey for the first time ever in the 2024-25 season.
The four-time champion is reportedly “determined” to leave Golden State in free agency, so much so that he’s already has shared goodbyes with some Warriors officials, The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami says.
“Klay Thompson is set for free agency and — barring a dramatic mood shift — the Warriors and Thompson are more than prepared for his fairly imminent departure from the Bay Area,” Kawakami said. “So prepared, an NBA source indicated this weekend, that some cordial goodbyes have been shared between Klay and high-ranking members of the Warriors’ organization.”
There are four main suitors that have emerged for the 34-year-old, according to multiple sources.
“Klay Thompson plans to have discussions with the Mavericks, Lakers, Clippers and 76ers in the opening hours of free agency, sources tell ESPN,” Adrian Wojnarowksi reported.
NBA insider Shams Charania also shared that, “Multiple teams with salary cap space are expected to show interest in Thompson as well.”
It seems staying on the West Coast could be a viable option for Klay and he is keen to check out the opportunity with the Lakers.
“Sources: Klay Thompson is intrigued about playing with the Lakers and LeBron James, provided he re-signs with the Lakers. Thompson plans on talking with the Lakers, as well as Dallas,” The Los Angeles Times’ Brad Turner said on X.
LeBron opted out of his $51.4 million player option to give the Lakers the flexibility to sign a player like Klay.
James is ‘hopeful’ his team can compete with the Dallas, who also have access to their full midlevel exception to pursue Klay, Marc Stein reports.
“As we’ve been reporting for 24-plus hours: Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors looks increasingly imminent … with LeBron James hopeful, per league sources today, that the Lakers can mount a bid to challenge Dallas,” Stein said on X.
Thompson is still a high-level shooter after he connected with 38.7 percent of his attempts from three-point range last season and no doubt help a contending team with his championship experience.
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