With Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson approaching free agency, speculation is mounting over potential interest from several NBA teams, as Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported during his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.
Charania suggests that teams from Florida, Los Angeles, and a few from the East Coast might pursue Thompson as he explores his options beyond the current season.
“He’s set to be a free agent at the end of the season. I expect him to test the marketplace,” Charania said. “I would expect both Florida teams; I would expect both LA teams. I would expect potentially a couple of East Coast teams to have interest in Klay Thompson.”
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Thompson has remained with the Warriors throughout his career, contributing significantly to the team’s four championship victories. However, at 34, he might consider new opportunities as he enters the later phase of his professional journey.
This season, Thompson’s average of 17.3 points per game is his lowest since his sophomore year in the NBA. A notable moment came when he was assigned to a bench role for the first time since his debut season, yet he managed to score 35 points in a victorious game against the Utah Jazz.
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Charania indicates that retaining Thompson could be challenging for Golden State, especially given the financial implications. Thompson’s current five-year, $189.9 million contract is nearing its end, and the Warriors may balk at offering a similar deal to a player who is moving beyond his peak years.
“As of right now, unless there’s a miracle extension, he’s going to test the marketplace,” Charania said. “And I think the Warriors have understood going into the year, after they didn’t extend him, his future is up in the air just for the simple fact that he’s going to be going into free agency.”
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In recent games, rookie Brandin Podziemski has sometimes been preferred over Thompson in critical late-game moments, signaling a potential shift in the team’s strategy. However, Thompson’s standout performance against the Jazz highlights his ability to deliver when it counts, a factor that Steve Kerr, the team’s head coach, will likely consider in future decisions.
As Thompson’s tenure with the Warriors becomes uncertain, the upcoming offseason could present him with various options to continue his illustrious career elsewhere.
