Inside Klay Thompson’s Looming Warriors Exit: 3 Teams Linked

The Golden State Warriors appear to be reaching the end of their relationship with Klay Thompson before he enters NBA free agency.

According to Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors are “preparing to lose” Thompson in free agency. As Thompson hits free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, and Dallas Mavericks are potential suitors.

The report indicates that Thompson and the Warriors have communicated minimally over the past two weeks, and the team has yet to present an offer.

Since being selected 11th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, Thompson played his entire 13-season career with the Warriors, winning four championships between 2015 and 2022.

Tensions Caused By Warriors’ Alternative Focuses

Tensions between Thompson and the Warriors have increased, as NBA insider Marc Stein previously reported that the Warriors have prioritized pursuing trade targets like LA Clippers star Paul George over re-signing Thompson.

However, George’s move to San Francisco appears unviable now. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that George opted for free agency, placing him out of the Warriors’ financial reach. Despite missing out on George, the Warriors’ focus on other trades has affected their negotiations with Thompson.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors Updates

The Warriors had scheduled to resume negotiations with Thompson once other priorities were addressed. However, Thompson is unwilling to remain on standby, feeling that the team’s efforts to re-sign him lack genuine interest.

Thompson, a five-time All-Star, is resolved to find a new team for his 14th NBA season and beyond. Both sides recognize that their 13-year tenure together is likely concluding.

Mavs, Lakers & Clippers Among Landing Spots For Thompson

The Lakers, Clippers, and Mavericks hope that a change of scenery will boost Thompson’s three-point shooting next season. Dallas moved on from Tim Hardaway Jr., enabling the front office to spend $13.9 million for the 2024-25 season to sign Thompson using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. LeBron James is reportedly willing to take a pay cut necessary to unlock that spending mechanism for the Lakers.

If Thompson joined the Lakers, he’d provide needed shooting next to James and Anthony Davis and get to play for the franchise his father, Mychal, played for and is currently a broadcaster with. Being able to stay in California surely wouldn’t be a negative.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers Updates

The Mavericks would present the opportunity to play alongside one of the NBA’s elite playmakers, Luka Doncic, and a dynamic offensive talent in Kyrie Irving. It’s difficult to argue against Dallas as a strong basketball fit, considering the team is also coming off a Finals appearance.

For the Clippers to be a viable option, George would surely need to depart, but regardless, Los Angeles would be limited in options to pursue Thompson.

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