The Golden State Warriors trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have been together for more than a decade. However, NBA free agency is increasingly likely to break up the Warriors’ core even if the market isn’t particularly strong.
Thompson, age 34, is coming off one of the worst seasons in his career. The 6-foot-6 wing shot under 39 percent from the perimeter for only the second time in his career. Furthermore, Thompson’s defense took a step back and his overall effectiveness has dropped.
- Klay Thompson stats (2023-’24): 17.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 43.2% FG, 38.7% 3PT
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In four seasons prior to back-to-back years detailed by leg surgeries, Thompson averaged 21.5 PPG while shooting 42 percent from the perimeter with a .116 Win Shares per 48 Minutes (2016-’19). Since his return from those surgeries, Thompson’s WS/48 is at .074 and he is shooting 39.7 percent from deep.
Heading into NBA free agency, Thompson was reportedly looking for a three-year contract that would help him still be one of the highest-paid guards in the NBA. Even with a market that doesn’t bode well for his earning power, Thompson still appears ready to leave Golden State.
Anthony Slater of The Athletic recently reported that momentum is building towards Thompson leaving the Warriors this summer for a “fresh start” with another franchise. Notably, it’s believed Thompson would leave even if Golden State makes a competitive offer.
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“Even if the Warriors eventually approach Thompson with a competitive offer, matching or exceeding the money and years, it has become increasingly conceivable, according to league sources, that Thompson will decide to leave regardless, searching for a fresh start in a different environment, detached from some of the built-up friction of the previous couple seasons.”
Anthony Weaver on Klay Thompson’s future with the Golden State Warriors
- Klay Thompson career stats: 15,531 points (19.6 PPG), 2,795 rebounds (3.5 RPG), 1,843 assists (2.3 APG), 676 steals (0.9 SPG), 45.3% FG, 41.3% 3PT
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Unfortunately for Thompson, his free-agent market already isn’t shaping up to be as strong as anticipated. Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Orlando Magic are only willing to offer a two-year contract. With only a few teams having the financial flexibility to spend a lot this summer, Thompson may have to settle for a two-year contract for less money than he hoped for.