Klay Thompson is less than two weeks away from becoming an unrestricted free agent, and it sounds like he is genuinely open to playing for a team other than the Golden State Warriors for the first time in his NBA career.
Shams Charania of The Athletic said on FanDuel TV’s “Run it Back” Monday that Thompson is willing to listen to all interested teams this summer. Some have wondered if that is just a negotiating tactic, but the 35-year-old seems to have accepted that he may have to play elsewhere next season.
“Klay Thompson, I’m told, is open to all external options in free agency coming up. He intends to test free agency,” Charania said. “We know the Warriors want him back. They offered him an extension before the start of the season. They’re going to see if there can be a deal that gets done, but he’s gonna be there in the marketplace seeking offers elsewhere.”
“Klay Thompson, I’m told, is open to all external options in free agency coming up.” – @ShamsCharania 👀 pic.twitter.com/DlpiCfBgbv
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) June 17, 2024
The question is not whether the Warriors want Thompson back. The sharpshooter struggled with his shot and had his role reduced late in the season, but he averaged 17.9 points per game and is still more than capable of contributing. However, it is not hard to envision a rival team offering Thompson significantly more than the Warriors are willing to pay.
Thompson has a lengthy history of lower-body injuries, but he appeared in 77 games this season. We know of at least one team with which he may share mutual interest. The Warriors are probably going to have to pay to keep Thompson, and they may opt for trying to improve their luxury-tax situation instead.
Thompson created a major stir last week when he unfollowed the Warriors on social media and deleted some old posts. Though, one of his current teammates does not think that means a whole lot.
