Klay Thompson is the rare player who's spent more than a decade with the same organization. But that could end soon as he can sign with another team June 30. The Warriors drafted him in 2011; how much loyalty does 13 years of service and four championships grant Thompson?
While he isn't the marquee free agent LeBron James and Paul George are, Thompson is still a notable name as a future Hall of Famer with quality basketball ahead of him.
The five-time All-Star is clearly on the decline at 34 years old. However, his downfall has been greatly exaggerated. Sure, Thompson isn't the perimeter defender he once was, and he took far fewer shots at the rim last season than in any other year of his career. But his shooting made him a splash brother, and that hasn't gone away.
Thompson shot 41% from deep on over nine attempts per game after the All-Star break. He connected on 38.7% of his 3-point attempts overall despite a down campaign, slightly lower than his career average of 41%.
He missed two-and-a-half years from 2019-2022 with ACL and Achilles injuries. However, Thompson played a huge part in the Warriors capturing their fourth championship in 2022.
Golden State and Thompson are reportedly "emotionally prepared" to part ways, with "hurt feelings" on each side. However, the Warriors are still the favorites to sign him. Here's who else oddsmakers believe are in the mix:
Klay Thompson next team odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Warriors | -110 |
| Magic | +150 |
| Lakers | +900 |
| Mavs | +1600 |
| Thunder | +1600 |
| Spurs | +1600 |
| Heat | +2000 |
| Sixers | +2000 |
| Kings | +2000 |
A breakup with Steph Curry's longtime backcourt partner won't be easy for either Thompson or Golden State.
However, fairytales don't exist in the NBA. Dynasties often end abruptly, and the Warriors likely exhausted every fume of their decade-long dynasty. It might be time for both sides to move on.
Golden State can't simply run it back with the same group after missing the playoffs last season. The team must improve to maximize the latter years of Curry's career.
There aren't too many avenues for the Warriors to make significant upgrades, but one of the (potentially bumpy) paths includes acquiring Paul George via trade if George decides to opt into the final year of his deal and requests out.
George and Golden State have been linked in recent days. It makes perfect sense for the two sides to team up if George and the Clippers part ways. In that case, the Warriors wouldn't have the cap space to re-sign Thompson.
Assuming that plan falls through, Golden State could return to the negotiating table with Thompson.
Curry, Draymond Green, and coach Steve Kerr seemingly want Thompson to remain in Golden State after a decade of service together. However, past accomplishments can't obstruct future goals.
It would be organizational malpractice for the Warriors to pay Thompson for his prior work, especially with the new salary cap restrictions. But how much does Golden State value Thompson for the work he's yet to do?
Thompson's future role with the Warriors is also questionable. Kerr removed his sharpshooter from the starting lineup midseason, although Thompson embraced the bench role and played better before a reinsertion into the starting lineup.
The Warriors have a budding star in Jonathan Kuminga and want to continue to develop Moses Moody, two wings who could take minutes away from Thompson. Why would Golden State pay Thompson significant money for a lesser role?
There's a better chance the two sides work out a deal if Thompson is willing to accept a reduced role and less money. He'll walk if money is his driving motive.
Thompson can help most teams as an elite shooter and floor spacer. Would he go to a contender for less money, or would he rather earn a payday on a playoff team far away from competing for championships? Only the two-time All-NBAer knows his priorities at this stage of his career.
The Magic have been linked to Thompson throughout the offseason because they have the cap space to offer him a lucrative deal and desperately need his shooting. Orlando was the seventh-worst 3-point shooting team last season.
The Sixers have the money to sign Thompson and could use his shooting prowess alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Lakers are another viable option where Thompson could remain in California.
Maybe Thompson is content with the over $260 million he's earned in the NBA, patches up any sour feelings with the Warriors, and returns on a discount to ride off into the sunset as a Bay Area legend.
Or maybe he has more to prove. It'll signal the official end of an era if he and the Warriors split, but it could be a renaissance moment for his dwindling career.
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.
