Relations have reportedly strained between Klay Thompson and Warriors owner Joe Lacob after a series of failed contract negotiations this season. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, disagreements on his current worth have driven a rift between the pair and it could eventually drive Thompson away from the Warriors altogether.
“Thompson always knew he would likely have to wait until his free agency arrived this summer, what with Lacob’s well-chronicled hopes of ducking under the second luxury tax apron compelling them to let the roster landscape fully unfold before adding salary,” Amick wrote. “But it’s clear their relationship has suffered some strain along the way, with league sources indicating that Thompson has received no assurances from on high that his hopes of retiring happily in a Warriors jersey someday will be a shared priority this summer.”
By all accounts, Klay Thompson is determined to be a Warrior for life and if he had it his way, he’d re-sign there this summer on a multi-year contract to finish his career. The problem for Klay is that the Warriors have not shown enthusiasm to match his requirements on a deal.
All season long, Golden State has tried (and failed) to re-sign Klay on their own terms, but they no longer value Thompson as they did during their championship run.
Over the past 54 games, Klay has been a shell of himself on both ends of the floor with averages of 17.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on 42.1% shooting. At just 37.6% from three, Thompson is having the least efficient season of his career and it’s come at the worst time possible with his contract set to expire in just a few months.
As July approaches, Thompson’s future with the Warriors grows more doubtful by the day and his potential availability this offseason has already sparked some interest from various teams across the association.
Multiple Teams Will Pursue Klay Thompson This Summer
While he may not be his prime self, Klay Thompson, in this form, still has a lot to offer an NBA contender. Despite his shooting struggles, Klay is still good for 15+ points per night and he’s fourth in the league this season for total three-pointers made at 178.
Predictably, the Lakers will be the first ones lined up for Thompson and it makes sense given their current timeline. As LeBron James approaches the final act of his career, the Lakers need anyone who could help them win right away and Klay, a 4x champion, has the pedigree to help them reach their full potential.
If he’s able to hit shots and hold his own defensively, it could be a major help for the Lakers as they aim to spread the floor around their big two. So long as they are willing to pay the premium price for Klay, he could make a fine addition to the roster next season.
If not, a team like the Philadelphia 76ers could make a lot of sense. A proven, veteran shooter like Klay would elevate the Embiid/Maxey duo to another level, and, together, they could make a lot of noise in the East.
Whether it’s to the Lakers, 76ers, or some other mystery team, Klay Thompson has a chance to shake the NBA hierarchy if he changes jerseys this summer but it remains to be seen if a split will actually happen, especially after everything that Klay and the Warriors have been through together.
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