Klay Thompson has played for only the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. He made his debut in 2011. Since then, there has been no other team that he played for in the league. And why would he? He became a franchise icon when he helped the Dubs win four championships in a span of eight years. Moreover, the combination of Stephen Curry and his Splash Brother revolutionized the three-point shooting. That’s how they changed the game forever. But Father Time catches up with everybody, irrespective of one player being an icon or just another name in the league. In the 2023-2024 season, the Golden State Warriors had a shocking display of their performances.
They could not make the playoffs. Moreover, the Splash Brothers have been very inconsistent. But Klay Thompson had his lowest mark since the 2012-2013 season. It was worrying signs for him, the franchise and its fans too. The Dub Nation fears that perhaps the Dynasty is over. It can very well be over if Thompson leaves the team this offseason. Latest rumours suggest that there have been “No notable movements” between the Dubs and the veteran shooting guard regarding contract extension talks.
Is Klay Thompson Looking For A Fresh Start?
It will be very weird to see Klay Thompson in a non-Warriors uniform next season. But the chances for that to happen seems very likely. Recently, Anthony Slater of The Athletic mentioned that there is still no deal for one, two or three years on the table for Thompson despite a pretty big open negotiation window. According to the league sources, currently, there is nothing on the table between the GSW and Thompson. Moreover, there has been no productive discussion between the franchise and the veteran shooting guard or his representatives. Lately, Slater said that talks are essentially “Frozen.” But Thompson’s free agency is less than ten days away at the moment.
Hence, the exit of Klay Thompson from the Warriors seems more probable and closer than ever before. Moreover, it is highly likely now that the Splash Brother of Curry may seem for a fresh start. Latest reports suggest that the Orlando Magic is willing to offer Thompson a two-year deal. Moreover, the Philadelphia 76ers have a better and bigger cap space to sign a franchise icon. Shams Charania of The Athletics mentioned that the Magic and the veteran sharpshooter might have a “Mutual interest.” However, the question remains if Klay will receive an offer for a big deal that he is looking for.
How Can The Warriors Keep The Sharpshooter?
In the last three seasons, Klay Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game, and 38.7% shooting. Clearly, this stat shows that Klay is not the shooter or the defender that he was before injuries let him down. He is not even creating shots that well anymore. Last season, in the play-in tournament, Thompson had a scoreless night against the Sacramento Kings that messed it up for the Warriors.
Now, if the veteran shooting guard gives a hometown discount to the Dubs organization only then he can sign an extension with the team he has played for all his NBA career so far. But it does not seem likely that he would give a discount. Otherwise, the GSW would have already signed the four-time champion with an extension.
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