Report: Klay Thompson Open To Signing With Lakers, Clippers For Mid-Level Exception, Mavericks ‘Team To Beat’

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Klay Thompson is open to signing with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers for the mid-level exception.

Thompson, who is leaving the Golden State Warriors, was born in LA. 

“And it’s shaping to be a fascinating mid-level market, especially with word circulating among league personnel that Thompson could be willing to take that amount in order to join the Lakers or Clippers,” Fischer wrote. “That would be a steep drop from the two-year, roughly $50 million offer Thompson declined at the start of this past season.”

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.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks are the team to beat in the Thompson sweepstakes.

The Warriors are open to completing a sign-and-trade deal involving Thompson. 

“Barring an 11th-hour resuscitation of Thompson’s relationship with the Warriors that no one close to the process was willing to predict Saturday night, those are projected to be the two teams at the forefront of Thompson’s thinking … with even some in Lakerland said to regard Dallas as the team to beat,” Stein wrote. 

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.

Thompson’s dad played for the Lakers and still calls games for them on the radio.