Mavs, Magic Could Make Run At Warriors’ Klay Thompson

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and along with the Warriors, the Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic are expected to have interest, per NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Thompson’s teammates and the coaching staff seem to be supportive of the idea that he’s re-signed, but Warriors owner Joe Lacob may have other ideas, Amick wrote.

The Mavs and Magic, meanwhile, reportedly intend to be on the lookout for a veteran shooter this offseason. Thompson, 33, is probably best suited to a bench role these days, but theoretically could still help a team from the perimeter.

He finished 0-of-10 shooting for 0 points in the Warriors’ loss to the Kings in the NBA play-in tournament, ending Golden State’s season.

“Klay Thompson is very open to seeing his marketplace in free agency,” Charania said on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back. “It’s gonna be the hardest call in his life to make if he does end up finding another spot to leave, as far as calling Stephen Curry, calling Draymond Green, calling them and saying I’m gone.” 

Thompson recently told Green on Green’s podcast that he aims to re-sign with the Warriors. But free agency can be a tricky thing.

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 Golden State. 

He averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists this season while shooting 43.2% from the field, 38.7% from beyond the arc and 92.7% from the free-throw line. 

While Thompson is not the player he once was, it would shock multiple people around the NBA if the Warriors didn’t re-sign the future Hall of Famer. 

“Klay’s not going anywhere,” one NBA executive predicted while chatting with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. “The Warriors can’t let him walk. He’s a four-time champion, and they can’t really replace him. At some point, if a player isn’t getting the job done and still wants to play as he gets older, you’d come off the bench, and he’s doing that while playing better. Maybe they tie his deal to Steph’s. Klay’s value is in the $20-25 million range.”

Thompson has career averages of 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists. The Warriors have won four titles and played in six NBA Finals in the Thompson-Green-Curry era. 

Key Warriors stakeholders have been optimistic Klay Thompson will re-sign with Golden State.

But there are market forces outside of their control.

Namely? The Magic and Mavericks, sources tell @sam_amick.

More intel ⤵️https://t.co/w81aUiIf6g pic.twitter.com/GcV64d2y1T

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 17, 2024