Warriors fans have had ample reason to expect Klay Thompson to leave the team in recent months, but the possibility became more real on Saturday when The Athletic reported the team was preparing for Thompson’s departure.
The Warriors reportedly had little communication over the past two weeks when they had the opportunity to negotiate exclusively with Thompson about returning, and both sides now believe Thompson’s time in the Bay Area is over.
Thompson himself had already issued ample warning by removing all mention of the Warriors from his social media accounts.
Thompson is set to become a free agent for the first time in his 13-year career on Sunday, with the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks reportedly in hot pursuit of his talents. All three teams have championship aspirations next season and need more 3-point shooters. Several other teams with salary-cap space are also reportedly interested.
The Lakers and Mavericks could both offer Thompson $12.9 million in the mid-level exception, but LeBron James is reportedly willing to accept less than that to help the Lakers, and the Warriors are also reportedly open to a sign-and-trade.
Klay Thompson had a fantastic career with the Warriors.
No matter how Thompson’s time with the Warriors ends, his status as a pillar of the dynasty will remain intact.
Owning four championship rings doesn’t begin to describe Thompson’s full impact: He was one half of the greatest backcourt in NBA history alongside Stephen Curry, and the Splash Brothers revolutionized the NBA’s three-point shot.
Despite not being the top shooter on his team, Thompson ranks sixth on the NBA’s all-time list for three-pointers made, behind Curry, Ray Allen, James Harden, Damian Lillard and Reggie Miller. Along with Curry and Harden, Thompson is one of only three players to make 300 or more three-pointers in a season.
And, of course, he holds the record for most three-pointers made in a single game with 14, and he also holds the record for most consecutive three-pointers made.
At his peak, Thompson was one of the few players in NBA history to have an unstoppable rushing offense. But his health has been a major issue since he tore his ACL in 2019. He tore his Achilles tendon in 2020, forcing him to miss two and a half years. He recovered well enough to be a vital part of the Warriors’ championship run in 2022, but it was clear the Warriors had no intention of signing the 34-year-old to another huge contract.
Thompson now appears headed toward retirement, and any retirement will likely be temporary, as he will be a Hall of Famer and a Warriors legend for the rest of his life.
