The Golden State Warriors have had a tight core group, with Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green, since 2012. This group has made this franchise a modern-day Dynasty. They were able to win four championships with this core in a span of eight years. But they have been looking for their fifth since last year. In the 2022-2023 season, the Los Angeles Lakers won against this team with the same core in the conference semi-finals. It had been humiliating for them to lose in the second round of the playoffs. But they had a far worse season in the 2023-2024 edition. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green had terrible seasons last time.
Green messed up quite early in the season with back-to-back suspensions. But Klay Thompson had the lowest career average since the 2012-2013 season. His shooting percentage, as well as points per game average, revealed a dip in performance. Then, he had a terrible outing in the play-in tournament against the Sacramento Kings with zero points scored. In the next free agency, Klay Thompson will be an unrestricted one. Perhaps the Warriors are eyeing a replacement for their veteran shooting guard.
Who Can Replace Klay Thompson At Warriors?
The Golden State Warriors are in a tricky situation in terms of their impending free agencies. Chris Paul is going to be a free agent. But the biggest concern for the Dubs is Klay Thompson being a free agent. He has not played for any other team in the NBA except the Warriors. Moreover, he has been an integral part of the Dubs Dynasty. Along with Stephen Curry, Klay revolutionized the three-point shooting, changing the game forever. But owing to severe injuries, Thompson’s productivity on the basketball court has seen a dip in the last three seasons. Now, who might be the best option for the Dubs to replace Thompson in the next free agency?
After all, now is high time to move forward for the Warriors if they want to contend for the title again. Lately, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints mentioned that the situation between the Los Angeles Clippers and Paul George is quite interesting. Siegel raised the question, “What if the Clippers make up their mind not to pay George what he wants?” Perhaps there is a chance that it won’t be an Eastern Conference team that pursues the Clippers guard. Moreover, Siegel suggests that fans should keep an eye on the Warriors, who might show interest in Paul George if Klay Thompson eventually leaves the franchise this offseason.
Is Paul George A Better Option To Have Than The Dubs Sharpshooter?
The Clippers guard had an average of 22.6 points per game, 3.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds in the 2023-2024 season. Arguably, Paul George is the best free agent available this offseason. Some sources suggest that the market might not even move as long as George does not make a decision. Now, the question is whether George would decline his player option of $48.7 million. Then, he can hit free agency. On the other hand, Klay Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game with 2.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds in the last season.
It was really a disappointing season for the veteran shooting guard compared to the years he had in the past with the Dubs. Even then, it was great for a rotational offensive player. It was weird to see Steve Kerr use Klay Thompson off the bench quite often last season. Perhaps it was because of his injuries or dip in performance. But several teams might show interest in the veteran Dubs shooting guard in this free agency.
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