SUMMARY
- Klay Thompson is expected to test free agency this summer leaving the Warriors after 11 seasons.
- Thompson's departure could open up a window of opportunities for him and the Warriors.
Over the last few days, rumors about Klay Thompson potentially leaving the Golden State Warriors have surfaced on the internet. For over a decade, the Warriors delivered several memorable moments for fans to cherish in the years to come. Thompson was a major part of the 2015, 2017, and 2018 championship rosters and he also helped lead the Dubs to their fourth title in 2022.
His last season with the Warriors was a complete letdown for sure. Thompson was one of the biggest reasons why the Warriors managed to reach the second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Unfortunately, he went from averaging 21.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game to 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 per game.
The 2023-24 campaign was his worst season statistically, shooting only 38.7% from deep. This season was the worst he’s been in terms of scoring since his sophomore season as well. To cap it all off, Thompson went scoreless shooting 0-10 during an elimination game in the Play-In Tournament.
The Warriors will have an opportunity to strengthen their roster
There’s no telling where the Warriors went wrong or whether Klay Thompson has simply reached a decline. The 2023-24 season Klay wasn’t what the Warriors wanted to work with. And with his contract officially coming to an end this free agency, the Warriors haven’t approached him with an offer yet.
So, in case Klay Thompson decides to leave the organization for good, the Warriors could take this as an opportunity to lay the foundation for the future. Thompson leaving could create some financial wiggle room for the Warriors to possibly acquire a player like DeMar DeRozan or even Pascal Siakam if the Indiana Pacers don’t re-sign him. Siakam to the Warriors has been a topic of discussion ahead of the trade deadline. The Warriors were interested in acquiring a high-scoring big man who could also play defense.
Klay Thompson will still be a threat despite his 2023-24 season setbacks
Klay Thompson obviously had one of his worst seasons, but a change in environment and a new team around him could motivate the 4x NBA All-Star to play well again. However, as Shams Charania said, the phone call with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr will be one of the hardest to deal with if he chooses to leave.
Klay Thompson is expected to test the free agent market and seek offers elsewhere, per @ShamsCharania
“If he does leave the Warriors, that call with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Steve Kerr—that’s going to be the most difficult call Klay Thompson made, possibly ever.”
(Via… pic.twitter.com/65Lafw9UBS
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 17, 2024
The only team that constantly finds its way back to Klay Thompson trade rumors is the Orlando Magic. They’ve been linked to the superstar for a while now. And it would make complete sense for the Magic to acquire a veteran like Thompson, who can help the young team navigate through the playoffs. Orlando finished as the fifth seed and battled the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round.