It’s not yet known whether four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson will return to the Golden State Warriors in free agency.
After a substandard 2023-24 season for the future Hall of Famer, some rumors have pointed in the direction of Thompson moving on from Golden State after 13 highly-decorated seasons.
If that is indeed the case, there is still going to be interest in the 34-year-old guard. He still shot 39% from three-point range while adding nearly 18 points per game last season. Here, we look at five ideal Klay Thompson landing spots in NBA free agency.
Klay Thompson lands with the Los Angeles Lakers
We know that the Lakers are going to attempt to find another star. The status quo simply isn’t working behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis in Southern California after a first-round exit in the NBA Playoffs. There is also James’ entire contract situation. While he’s likely going to re-sign with the Lakers, general manager Rob Pelinka and Co. have to cater to the future Hall of Famer.
Why Thompson to the Lakers makes sense
Austin Reaves struggled with consistency this past season. The Lakers have a major need for more perimeter shooting. Meanwhile, Thompson grew up in Southern California and his father played for the Lakers. Any move of Thompson to Southern California would have to include a sign-and-trade, complicating matters in this regard.
Related: 10 biggest moves the Los Angeles Lakers could make this summer
Orlando Magic add Splash Brother to the mix
Fresh off a surprising 47-win season, the Magic have come up as a possibility for Klay Thompson. The up-and-coming team is expected to have roughly $50 million to spend under the NBA salary cap. We firmly believe that front office head Jeff Weltman will use that money to find a proven star in the backcourt.
Klay Thompson’s fit with the Orlando Magic
Orlando’s young roster is front-court heavy. It is headed by All-Star forward Paolo Banchero and big man Franz Wagner. The backcourt was somewhat of an issue with Jalen Suggs (12.6 PPG) leading all players in scoring a season ago. Cole Anthony (11.6 PPG) was Orlando’s second-lading scorer from the guard position. This is obviously a major need for the Magic.
Philadelphia 76ers pull off major coup
After a first-round exit in the NBA Playoffs, it’s no surprise that Philadelphia is being linked to some of the biggest names available this coming summer. Front office head Daryl Morey is never afraid to be active in this regard. With as much as $55 million to spend against the NBA salary cap, the 76ers are going big-game hunting.
Klay Thompson’s fit with Joel Embiid
The 76ers have been linked to wings on a near never-ending basis after their season came to an end. That includes Paul George and Jimmy Butler. At 6-foot-6, Thompson has played that role at times in Golden State. The idea would be to add more spacing to the roster to go with Tyrese Maxey out on the perimeter. Embiid’s ability, both in the low-post and outside, would make this a dynamic core three over the short-term.
San Antonio Spurs shock world with Klay Thompson signing
First, let’s look at the Victor Wembanyama effect. Recent reports suggest that veterans might take team-friendly deals in free agency in order to play with the generational talent. It makes perfect sense. He was downright brilliant as a rookie, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.6 blocks per game.
Why Thompson makes sense for the Spurs
Despite Wembanyama’s brilliance as a rookie, San Antonio still won just 22 games. There is a lack of talent around the big man. That’s the understatement of the year. Given what Wemby is able to do all over the court, getting a spot-up three-point shooter and one of the best pure shooters in Association history makes sense. The Gregg Popovich factor is also in play here. In short, players want to suit up for the legend.
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Klay Thompson re-signs with the Golden State Warriors
It really would be hard to see Thompson play in another uniform. He’s one of those stars who should remain with the same team throughout his entire career. The idea of Klay going elsewhere just can’t sit well with Warriors fans and those who follow the NBA in general.
Why Thompson remains with the Warriors
Stephen Curry will be back for another season. Draymond Green, too. Sure, the Warriors fell short of the NBA Playoffs for the third time in five seasons. But keeping the big three together for a couple more runs makes a ton of sense. The Warriors also have assets to add another star player to the mix, something that we expect to happen this summer.
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