Aside from Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson is a potential Warrior that will grace the free agency list this summer. The former 11th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft has been a cornerstone in Golden State's three championships, yet rumors now surround his name and that will change the course of his career.
Sources familiar with the issue is claiming that if the Warriors fall short in offering Thompson a max contract after this season, the five-time NBA All-Star will be finding a new home elsewhere. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski told Bleacher Report that Thompson will be joining Stephen Curry "into the new building" provided that the Warriors can offer him a five-year, $190million deal.
"Woj" however sees something else if they (Warriors) "try to do anything less than that." Warriors fans could see Thompson, arguably one of the best shooters in the league, as a free agent. Lakers Nation extended Wojnarowski's crystal ball prediction by saying that Thompson can consider singing with the Los Angeles Clippers and NOT the Lakers.
The website favors the Clippers over the Lakers due to the departure of Magic Johnson as President of Basketball Operations. The Clippers also have "two max-contract slots available," and that one can have the name and signature of Thompson.
Tyler Conway, who talked with Wojnarowski, described Thompson as one of those players who is caught somewhere between "max and non-max." He struggled with his shot in the first few months of this season and will eventually miss making the All-NBA list for the third consecutive year.
Conway said that the arrival of Durant may have something to do about Thompson's early struggles, but this doesn't make him a sure bet on any team. The writer added that there will be other cities with enough cap space that could offer Thompson a deal that will suit his talent and his reputation as a "surefire future Hall of Famer."
Another source is also saying that the Warriors are "told" to prioritize Thompson over Durant. Apparently, the Dubs are keen on keeping the Splash Brothers intact. However, there's no telling what the decision of Durant would be. He can, by all means, re-sign with the Warriors, but eyes are looking for Durantula to opt out. New York can run after Durant, and so can the Lakers.
If we follow the rumor trail, the Knicks can offer Durant with a max contract this summer. Add to this their potential No. 1 Lottery pick and the possible trade for Anthony Davis. If KD lands with the Lakers, then LeBron may finally have his partner to finally get the team to wake up from their nightmare.
