Klay Thompson suiting up for an additional NBA franchise — a day Warriors followers by no means would have seen coming on the peak of Golden State’s dynasty — now seems nearer than ever.
Even when the Warriors lengthen a aggressive provide to Thompson, it is lifelike the five-time All-Star might resolve to depart Golden State regardless, searching for a recent begin elsewhere, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported on Saturday, citing league sources.
Thompson reportedly might pursue a brand new starting with one other franchise to flee a number of the friction that has constructed up with the Warriors during the last couple seasons because the 34-year-old performed out the ultimate years of the $190 million contract he signed in July 2019.
Slater’s report additionally notes that whereas a window stays open for Golden State and Thompson to barter a brand new deal earlier than NBA free company formally begins, talks between the Warriors and the sharpshooting guard have hit a standstill, with no contract provide at present on the league desk, per league sources.
Thompson is searching for a contract provide of not less than three years, a supply confirmed to NBC Sports activities Bay Space’s Monte Poole, though the trail to attaining that desired deal may show troublesome.
The marketplace for Thompson may not be what the four-time NBA champion envisioned, with the Orlando Magic — a major suitor for his companies — reportedly unwilling to increase the three-year provide the 34-year-old is searching for.
It is essential to notice the timetable for the remainder of the Warriors’ dynastic core, as Steph Curry, coach Steve Kerr and defensive anchor Draymond Inexperienced are signed by means of the following two seasons, with the latter possessing a player-option for a 3rd season.
With the futures of Curry, Inexperienced and Kerr unsure past the 2025-26 NBA season, it will make sense if Golden State is hesitant to increase a deal to Thompson that does not align with the remainder of the franchise’s core items.
Something is feasible over the following couple of weeks, however the way in which issues have been trending, Warriors followers may need to brace themselves for a brutal actuality the place Golden State’s fabled Massive Three doesn’t experience off into the sundown collectively.
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