(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors appear to be on the verge of losing one of the core members of its dynasty as Klay Thompson is set to hit unrestricted free agency.
Throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, Thompson and his representatives tried to negotiate a new extension with the Warriors but the latter reportedly balked at offering him a long-term deal.
Now, Thompson is a serious threat to walk away for nothing in free agency and he’ll have plenty of suitors chasing after him.
Despite his injury history and age, Thompson is still one of the best 3-point shooters in the league and would help any contender looking to bolster its outside shooting percentages.
He has already been linked to teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers though other teams could talk themselves into pursuing him.
It even appears that Thompson is willing to take a paycut to join a contender which had fans talking via Jake Fischer of Yahoo.
“Word is circulating among league personnel that Thompson could be willing to take (the $13M MLE) in order to join the Lakers or Clippers,” Fischer reported.
REPORT: “Word is circulating among league personnel that Thompson could be willing to take (the $13M MLE) in order to join the Lakers or Clippers.”
Huge paycut. (via @JakeLFischer, h/t @hmfaigen) pic.twitter.com/4fCiO8spm9
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 30, 2024
But I thought he was “disrespected” when the Warriors offered $20M
— NBA World (@NBAW0RLD24) June 30, 2024
Doing this out of spite. I love it.
— Lathan (@RealLathan) June 30, 2024
Buddy’s ring chasing
— Ryan Watts Enthusiast (Kam) (@RW29enthusiast) June 30, 2024
How did the Warriors disrespect him then if they offered him $20M?
— Shaun Bellamy (@KingSB93) June 30, 2024
Golden State reportedly offered Thompson about $20 million annually to remain with the team, but it seems that Thompson is inclined to take less money to stick it to his former team.
While the average annual value of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception is less than $20 million, the number of years could matter more to Thompson.
For now, the situation bears monitoring as Thompson is a legitimate needle mover for any team.
The post Fans React To Surprising Klay Thompson Rumor appeared first on The Cold Wire.