SUMMARY
- Klay Thompson has become a big name to enter the upcoming free agency period following the Warriors Play-In loss.
- Thompson could possibly be acquire by the Mavericks or Magic.
If there is one thing that the entire world took away from the Golden State Warriors vs Sacramento Kings’ Play-In clash, it’s that Klay Thompson may never play in the Bay Area again. It was a hard pill to swallow especially since Thompson has been a big part of this franchise since 2011. He played a massive role in the Warriors being the best offensive team during the 2010s. And he also walked away with three NBA Championships.
After the Warriors won their fourth title, things have been going downhill. They were defeated by the LA Lakers in the second round last season. And they were put away from the same team they defeated in the first round last year during this season’s Play-Ins. The Warriors genuinely want Thompson to come back next year. However, they are aware that there is a business side of the things that will dictate Thompson’s future at GSW.
The Mavericks are potential suitors for Klay Thompson
Amongst many possible suitors for Klay Thompson, the Orlando Magic have become a frontrunner to sign him during the 2024 free agency. The Magic have been one of the biggest surprises this season coming out of the 13th seed from last season and finishing at the 5th spot in the Eastern Conference this season. Paolo Banchero has been a sensational star on the rise but this team still needs a veteran to direct the entire show.
Report: The Dallas Mavericks are a possible suitor for Klay Thompson, per @sam_amick 🤔#MFFL pic.twitter.com/obrenEEjtV
— MFFL (@Mavs_FFL) April 17, 2024
However, Sam Amick of The Athletic recently reported that NBA sources say that the Dallas Mavericks are the second team to keep an eye out on. Dallas has also seen tremendous success over the years but they always seem like they’re one star away from winning despite having Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. They could add another shooter like Thompson which could open up the field for Doncic to play in.
Will Klay Thompson get a max extension?
This season, Klay Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on 43.2% from the field. However, he only shot 38.7% from the three-point arc which was his second-worst season in an area he thrives in. After going scoreless against the Kings in the Play-In elimination game, it is highly unlikely that the Warriors will come back to him, especially with a max extension.
Klay Thompson on the biggest lesson he learned this season:
“You can’t shy away from the bad moments and just embrace the great ones. You got to embrace them all. That’s for anything you do in life.” pic.twitter.com/k7lEi5nhX0
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) April 18, 2024
Midway through the season, Thompson rejected a $48 million two-year deal which was offered by the Warriors. He could be looking out for something more lucrative than $24 million a season. The Mavericks have a little over $171 million committed to salaries next season with barely any free agents that could leave. However, they have an expiring contract that belongs to Tim Hardway Jr. that can be used in a trade to acquire Thompson.