The list of teams that could potentially acquire Klay Thompson in free agency continues to grow. The Golden State Warriors veteran sharpshooter will enter unrestricted free agency on Sunday (June 30.) It’s looking increasingly unlikely that he will remain with the franchise for the remainder of his career.
According to Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Lakers are the latest franchise to emerge as potential suitors for Thompson. The Lakers viability has arisen after LeBron James confirmed he would take a pay cut if the “right targets” were willing to join the Purple and Gold for the full Mid-Level Exception, worth $13 million.
“What really changed Saturday is that the Warriors ultimately struck out on George and now the Lakers, by virtue of LeBron James’ reported willingness to take a paycut if one of the “right targets” consents to take L.A.’s $13 million midlevel exception, have joined Dallas in the race to secure Thompson’s commitment in free agency,” Stein reported. “Barring an 11th-hour resuscitation of Thompson’s relationship with the Warriors that no one close to the process was willing to predict Saturday night, those are projected to be the two teams at the forefront of Thompson’s thinking.”
The Lakers and Dallas Mavericks are two of the newer teams to enter the Thompson rumor mill. The Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers are also rumored to hold interest in the four-time NBA Champion.
Joining Los Angeles would allow Thompson to remain close to home while also contending for a championship next to LeBron and Anthony Davis. Nevertheless, he will likely weigh up his options before making a decision. Right now, the only thing that is certain, is that Thompson will have no shortage of options once the free agency period begins.
