Following his signing of a $70 million, three-year contract, Klay Thompson declared his intention to leave the Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson scenario will be one of the greatest themes of the summer. Thompson played a vital role in the Warriors winning four championships, but his future with the team that drafted him raises some worries.
Several of the best free agents, including Thompson, had contracts and landing sites predicted by Stephen Noh of The Sporting News. Noh projected that Thompson would sign a three-year, $70 million contract with the Orlando Magic.
There are indications that Thompson and the Warriors are not happy. The team has signaled that negotiations would be difficult since the two parties were unable to reach an agreement on an extension during the year, and he removed any traces of them from his Instagram account,” Noh stated on June 24. The Warriors may have to let go of the sharpshooter in order to avoid paying the tax.
In the event that Thompson decides to walk, a few teams stand to gain interest. He has the cap space to sign with the Thunder, who would look fantastic shooting threes. More likely are the Magic, who also have cap space and a desperate need for shooting.”
There is “no traction” between Orlando Magic and Thompson. On June 17, Shams Charania of The Athletic stated that Thompson and the Orlando Magic “remains mutually interested.” “League sources indicate that Thompson and the Orlando Magic still have mutual interest,” Charania said.
Ever since the Golden State Warriors were eliminated from the playoffs, rumors have been circulating regarding Thompson and the Magic. But there’s little traction between the two sides, as Anthony Slater of The Athletic claims.
On June 22, Slater wrote, “Despite some initial mutual interest, there has been no traction between Thompson and the Orlando Magic, according to league sources.” In a market that is often subject to sudden changes, interest from other cap space teams is anticipated, as are some longer-term offers.
The Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and other teams with cap flexibility may outbid the Warriors if the Magic choose not to pursue Thompson. Negotiations regarding Thompson’s contract with the Warriors have stalled. With the start of free agency on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, Thompson is ready to make an impact. A new CBA provision permitting teams to speak with their own free agents after the finals conclude allows the Golden State Warriors to negotiate with Thompson.
Any team can get in touch on June 30. Slater claims that Thompson is not the subject of a contract offer from the Warriors. According to Slater, Thompson’s contract negotiations with the Warriors are “essentially frozen,” and it appears more likely than ever that he will leave the team during his 11-year tenure.
“There is basically no dialogue. Thompson’s departure from the only team he has ever known feels closer and more likely than ever before, with free agency less than ten days away, Slater wrote on June 22. The Warriors have “maintained their desire” to bring him back despite the lack of communication on a deal. Slater stated, “The Warriors have publicly stated that they want to acquire Thompson back for a fair price.”
Thompson might be an asset to many teams because he is a seasoned player and a skilled shooter.