The possibility that Klay Thompson might have played his final game for the Golden State Warriors is becoming increasingly real.
This speculation has been fueled by recent reports, including one from The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, suggesting that Thompson’s departure from the Warriors in free agency this offseason is a growing likelihood, even in the face of a competitive contract offer from the team.
Thompson is poised to become an unrestricted free agent come June 30.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Warriors have extended a two-year contract proposal to Thompson.
Despite this, communications between Thompson’s representatives and the Warriors have not yielded any substantive progress towards securing a new contract. Slater emphasized the sentiment of inevitability surrounding Thompson’s potential exit, stating, “Thompson’s exit from the only franchise he has ever known feels closer and more probable than ever before.”
While Thompson may no longer exhibit the same two-way All-Star prowess he once did, his shooting remains a valuable asset. Last season, he maintained a solid 38.7% shooting accuracy from three-point range, which improved to 41.2% following the All-Star break.
His proficiency from beyond the arc would make him a highly sought-after asset for any NBA team, whether in a starting position or as a key rotational player coming off the bench.
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Among potential new homes for Thompson, the up-and-coming Orlando Magic have previously been mentioned as interested suitors. While there seems to be mutual interest, Slater notes that discussions regarding a contract have not yet gained any momentum.
The Warriors, meanwhile, are navigating a transitional phase after a disappointing season where they posted a 46–36 record, fell in the play-in tournament, and consequently missed the playoffs.
With the team eager to maximize the remaining prime years of Steph Curry, another future Hall of Fame guard and Thompson’s longtime backcourt partner, the dynamics within the Warriors are shifting.
As the landscape of the NBA continues to evolve, it appears increasingly likely that Thompson, a pivotal figure in the Warriors’ dynasty, may be looking to make his mark in the latter stages of his career with a new team.
This potential move marks a significant moment not only for Thompson and the Warriors but for the entire league, as teams adjust to the changing capabilities and goals of veteran stars like Thompson.
