Warriors enthusiasts have had numerous reasons to anticipate Klay Thompson’s departure for quite some time, but the likelihood became tangible on Saturday, as the Athletic reported the team is bracing for Thompson’s exit.
The Warriors reportedly had minimal communication in the past two weeks, during which they had an exclusive window to negotiate his return. Both parties now believe that Thompson’s time in the Bay Area has come to an end.
Thompson himself had already given ample warning by removing all mentions of the Warriors from his social media.
As Thompson prepares to enter free agency for the first time in his 13-year career on Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Dallas Mavericks are reportedly strong contenders for his services. All three teams are looking to compete next season and could benefit from added 3-point shooting. Several other teams with salary cap space are also expected to express interest.
The Lakers and Mavericks can both offer Thompson the $12.9 million midlevel exception, with LeBron James reportedly willing to accept a pay cut to aid the Lakers. The Warriors are also open to facilitating a sign-and-trade.
Klay Thompson’s Warriors career was a great one
Regardless of how Thompson’s tenure with the Warriors concludes, there is no denying his role as a cornerstone of a dynasty.
Owning four championship rings barely scratches the surface of Thompson’s impact. Alongside Stephen Curry, Thompson formed one of the best backcourts in NBA history, with the Splash Brothers sparking a revolution in 3-point shooting in the NBA.
Thompson ranks sixth on the NBA’s all-time 3-pointer list, trailing Curry, Ray Allen, James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Reggie Miller, despite never being the primary shooter on his team. Alongside Curry and Harden, he is one of just three players to make over 300 3-pointers in a single season.
Additionally, he still holds the record for the most 3-pointers in a single game with 14, as well as the record for consecutive 3-pointers made.
At his peak, Thompson was capable of scoring barrages that few others in NBA history could match. However, injuries have plagued him since 2019, when he tore his ACL. A torn Achilles tendon followed in 2020, leading to a 2 1/2 season hiatus. He managed to recover sufficiently to contribute significantly to the Warriors’ championship in 2022, but it was evident that the Warriors were not prepared to offer him another substantial contract at the age of 34.
Thus, Thompson seems poised to depart. Any departure is likely temporary, as he is destined to be inducted into the Hall of Fame upon retirement and will forever be remembered as a Warriors legend.