Report: Klay Thompson Could Leave Warriors Due To Built-Up Friction, 76ers, Magic, Nuggets, Mavericks Interested

According to NBA insiders Sam Amick and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Klay Thompson could leave the Golden State Warriors due to built-up friction. 

The Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks are interested in Thompson, who is an unrestricted free agent. 

“But, as The Athletic reported earlier in the week, it has become increasingly conceivable, according to league sources, that Thompson will decide to leave regardless, searching for a fresh start in a different environment, detached from some of the built-up friction of the previous couple seasons and the Warriors’ cold-natured approach to his contract discussions and future,” Amick and Slater wrote. 

One of the greatest 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 while shooting 43.2% from the floor, 38.7% from 3 and 92.7% from the free-throw line.

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.

“There remains no official contract offer and little contact between Thompson and the Warriors, league sources said, as the potential end of his 13-year run with the franchise becomes more plausible,” Slater and Amick wrote. “A league source said Philadelphia has interest in Thompson. If the Nuggets lose free-agent-to-be Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has decided to decline his player option and enter the market, a league source said Denver has pegged Thompson as a possible replacement. Caldwell-Pope, as it were, is believed to be a strong possibility for Orlando. There are a handful of other rival teams also in play for Thompson, depending on his price tag.”

According to NBA insider Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, Thompson is seeking an offer of at least three years.