Report: Cordial Goodbyes Have Been Shared Between Klay Thompson, Warriors

According to NBA insider Tim Kawakami of The Athletic, cordial goodbyes have been shared between Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors. 

Thompson is leaving the Warriors in free agency after the franchise didn’t offer him the deal he was looking for. 

“Thompson is set for free agency and — barring a dramatic mood shift — the Warriors and Thompson are more than prepared for his fairly imminent departure from the Bay Area,” Kawakami wrote. “So prepared, an NBA source indicated this weekend, that some cordial goodbyes have been shared between Klay and high-ranking members of the Warriors’ organization.”

The Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Denver Nuggets are interested in Thompson. 

One of the best shooters in NBA history, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24 for the Warriors while shooting 43.2% from the field, 38.7% from beyond the arc and 92.7% from the free-throw line.

Golden State missed the playoffs after losing the 9-10 play-in game to the Sacramento Kings. 

The Warriors drafted Thompson with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft out of Washington State. Thompson has made five All-Star teams, two All-NBA teams and one All-Defensive team with the Warriors. He has helped the franchise win four championships.

Thompson has career averages of 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks. He turns 35 next season.

According to NBA reporter Brad Turner of The Los Angeles Times, Thompson is intrigued about playing with the Lakers and LeBron James. 

LeBron and Thompson faced each other in four consecutive NBA Finals in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 during LeBron’s second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson was also in LeBron’s Space Jam movie. 

LeBron, 39, has declined his 2024-25 player option with the Lakers worth $51.4 million. He will re-sign with LA and is open to taking a discount if the franchise can get an impact player.