Warriors $189 Million Star Interested in Joining Lakers, Says Stephen A. Smith…
The Los Angeles Lakers face a challenging offseason after the Boston Celtics secured their 18th NBA championship. A prominent name, albeit a long shot, is being associated with the Lakers.
Stephen A. Smith of ESPN mentioned that Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson would “love” to join the Lakers, though financial constraints make this unlikely. Smith suggests the New York Knicks are a more probable destination for Thompson.
Klay Thompson is expected to test the free agent market and seek offers elsewhere, per @ShamsCharania.
Should the Lakers pursue him? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/qTL6IpZ1zV
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 17, 2024
“In an ideal world, Klay would love to be in Los Angeles,” Smith explained on the June 17, 2024, episode of “First Take.” “We all know that. I’m talking about the Lakers. Imagine that scenario… there’s no space, they can’t make it work financially, but that’s where he’d love to be. But I’d say, get ready to like New York.”
Warriors Star Klay Thompson Has Obvious Ties to the Lakers
Thompson has often been linked to the Lakers due to his deep connections with the team. However, he has consistently re-signed with the Warriors throughout his NBA career. The star guard hails from Southern California, and his father, Mychal Thompson, is a former Lakers player and current broadcast analyst for the team. Unless Thompson is willing to take a pay cut, his only route to the Lakers would be through a complex sign-and-trade deal.
Klay Thompson Is Seeking a 3-Year Deal in NBA Free Agency
Thompson recently finished a lucrative five-year, $189 million contract with Golden State. His potential value on the open market remains uncertain. According to Monte Poole of NBC Sports’ Bay Area, Thompson is aiming for a minimum three-year contract.
“Thompson is no longer the elite two-way wing player he once was, known for his exceptional shooting that earned him five consecutive All-Star appearances,” Poole noted on June 17. “He can still have explosive games, but his consistency and defensive versatility have declined. Consequently, Thompson acknowledges he won’t get another deal like his expiring five-year, $190 million max contract. League sources suggest he’s seeking a three-year offer.”
The Magic Continue to be Linked to Klay Thompson in NBA Free Agency
The Orlando Magic, eager to boost their shooting capabilities, have shown interest in Thompson. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, there is “mutual interest” between Thompson and Orlando.
"The Magic can open up an excess of sixty million dollars in cap space this off season…One name to keep an eye on, Klay Thompson, I'm told there is mutual interest between the Magic and Klay Thompson."@ShamsCharania on the Magic's future plans.
📺: https://t.co/oxMs3CAEGu pic.twitter.com/ENhJn68hmM
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 6, 2024
“This comes as NBA free agency kicks off on June 30,” Charania and Slater reported on June 17. “Thompson is one of the most high-profile free agents, and his future with the Golden State Warriors is uncertain. For the first time, Thompson seems open to exploring options outside Golden State. There is mutual interest between Thompson and the Orlando Magic, as per league sources. The Warriors have expressed a desire to retain Thompson at the right price and role.”
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