Thompson hits offseason with options as free agent
The Golden State Warriors’ season came to a screeching halt against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.
And with it comes an uncertain future for star guard Klay Thompson, the five-time All-Star who helped the Warriors achieve greatness with four NBA championships.
Thompson, 34, becomes a free agent because he just completed the final season of his five-year, $189.9 million contract with the Warriors. Thompson, who was held to a forgettable 0-for-10 night against the Kings, scored 17.9 points per game during the 2023-24 regular season, his lowest average since his second year in the league.
A couple of fibenchmarks to keep in mind: Grayson Allen just agreed to a four-year, $70 million extension with the Suns, and NBA information guy Shams Charania reported in December that Golden State offered Thompson a two-year, $48 million extension.
Here are potential landing spots for Thompson.
Golden State Warriors
Following Tuesday’s loss in which Thompson went 0-for-10, including 0for-6 on 3-pointers, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, “We need Klay back.”
Let’s see if that happens. Are the Warriors willing spend what’s required to keep Thompson? Thompson has spent his 13-year career with Golden State – he missed the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons with injuries – and has been a vital part of the Warriors four championship teams. The coaches and players want Thompson back. Does he want to be back?
Orlando Magic
The Magic have a bright future with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner and a stellar defense led by Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac. Orlando needs offense. It had the No. 22 offense and was still good enough to land the No. 5 seed in the East. Getting a shooter such as
Thompson will improve an offense. He still averaged 17.9 points and shot 38.7% on 3s this season.
Sacramento Kings
Let’s see what happens with Kings free-agent-to-be Malik Monk who is out with a knee injury. The Kings may not have the salary cap space to meet Thompson’s salary requirements.
Dallas Mavericks
The Athletic reported the Mavericks could be a potential landing spot for Thompson. But they also may not have the salary cap space to acquire him.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have cap space, and they may be in need of shooters to help them better compete in the East.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are another team with cap space, and they will be a contender next season.
USA TODAY Sports’ Casey Moore contributed to this report.