Western Conference contender reportedly eyeing Klay Thompson

With the Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson still failing to find common ground on a potential contract extension, it is more likely that the 34-year-old's NBA future will not be in the Bay Area.

However, it appears Thompson may want to remain in competition with the Warriors.

Marc Stein revealed that if Thompson left the Warriors in free agency, his "preference" would be to remain in the Western Conference, placing him in direct competition with his old team. Stein also cited the Dallas Mavericks as the franchise likely to emerge as the favorite to sign Thompson, so they may have some competition in their pursuit of the five-time NBA All-Star.

The Denver Nuggets have reportedly entered the Klay Thompson sweepstakes following Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's decision to decline his player option and become a free agent.

"If the Nuggets lose free-agent-to-be Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has decided to decline his player option and enter the market, a league source said Denver has pegged Thompson as a possible replacement," according to The Athletic's Sam Amick and Anthony Slater .

The Mavericks or Nuggets make a lot of sense for Thompson. Regardless of the potential decision looming for the longtime Warriors star, both teams allow him to remain in the Western Conference and could be ideal fits for his skillset. The Luka Doncic/Kyrie Irving and Nikola Jokic/Jamal Murray duos would allow Thompson plenty of room to work on the offensive end of the floor, and he'd have a chance to contend for a title with either team, barring something unforeseen.

Thompson is one of many high-profile names to watch at the start of free agency. But unless there's a major pivot by the Warriors and what sounds like a change of heart from Thompson, the veteran looks poised to have a new home for the 2024-25 season and beyond.