Warriors have no intentions of 'throwing' $30-40 million contract at Klay Thompson, per insider
The Golden State Warriors don't seem interested in offering Klay Thompson the best deal he could get in free agency. The veteran guard, an unrestricted free agent, has been far from being a reliable second option for the Warriors since his injury return in 2022. The Warriors did win a title two years ago, but Thompson didn't outplay his contract for the Dubs to get there.
According to Warriors insider Marcus Thompson, the Dubs aren't looking to splurge on the former All-Star this summer despite the interest he has gained across the market.
"Klay's going to get a lot of money thrown at him," Thompson said. "We know the Warriors don't want to throw 30-40 million at him. Looking at the playoff teams, I think he might get it. I think the market for Klay is way bigger than anyone thought."
Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists, shooting 43.2%, including 38.2% from 3. Thompson's numbers are relatively impressive, but he wasn't as consistent for most of the year. He had extreme highs and lows, especially in a prominent role.
Ending the season with a scoreless outing in the team's season-ending play-in tournament loss to the Sacramento Kings only worsened his chances of securing a lucrative deal with the Warriors.
However, several contenders could benefit from Klay Thompson's 3-and-D skillset, especially a team with primary scorers. Thompson can slot in as the third option, and his performances would be far more effective than they were on the Warriors these past two seasons.
Klay Thompson could switch conferences this summer
Klay Thompson is receiving interest from a couple of Eastern Conference playoff contenders. The Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic are teams reportedly coveting the Warriors guard.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Sixers are considering a two-year lucrative deal like the one Bruce Brown signed last offseason with the Indiana Pacers for $45 million. It came with a player option in the second year.
The Sixers have the cap space to make a deal. Thompson appears to be a solid fit as a 3-point shooter who can slot into a third-option role behind Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. If the Sixers can secure his services on a two-year $45 million contract, they will have the luxury to add a solid supporting cast next to Embiid, Maxey and Thompson.
Meanwhile, as per insider Shams Charania, Klay Thompson and the Magic, who returned to the playoffs this season, have a mutual interest. The Magic could have $60 million in cap space, allowing them to offer Thompson a deal in the range of $30 to $40 million annually.
Thompson could take a veteran role with the team and fill a need by improving their 3-point shooting woes.