Warriors and Klay Thompson Poised for Free Agency Split
The Golden State Warriors are on the verge of losing four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson in free agency. League sources report that communication between Thompson and the Warriors has been minimal since the negotiating period for incumbent free agents started, with no offers exchanged. The Warriors planned to revisit Thompson after handling other business, but Thompson is set to move on, feeling the team’s interest lacked sincerity.
Thompson, a five-time All-Star, is ready to seek a new team for his 14th season, ending a 13-year tenure with the Warriors. Potential suitors include the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, and Dallas Mavericks, with multiple teams showing interest due to their salary cap space. The Mavericks have cleared room to offer a $12.9 million midlevel exception, and the Lakers could do the same depending on LeBron James’ future contract.
Golden State’s strategic landscape is shifting with Thompson’s anticipated departure, enabling them to operate as a full nontaxpayer midlevel exception team for the first time in a decade. They’re open to a sign-and-trade deal to enhance Thompson’s earning potential. This split marks a significant transition for the Warriors, who have drafted and extended players like Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Jordan Poole as potential replacements, while Thompson seeks to secure his NBA future elsewhere.
