Klay Thompson To Lakers Rumors Pick Up Steam Amid Warriors Exit

Klay Thompson’s time with the Golden State Warriors appears to be coming to an end.

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Thompson has yet to receive an offer from Golden State to return to the organization.

“Despite a wide open negotiation window, there isn’t a one-year, two-year or three-year deal on the table,” he wrote.

“Because nothing is currently on the table, according to league sources. There’s been no productive discussion between the Warriors and Thompson or his representatives.”

Slater didn’t stop there, though.

“Talks are essentially frozen. With free agency now less than 10 days away, Thompson’s exit from the only franchise he has ever known feels closer and more probable than ever before.”

Complicating matters further is Golden State’s financial situation. Mike Dunleavy Jr. is trying to get the Warriors under the second apron of the luxury tax. That doesn’t jive with giving Thompson the sort of deal he clearly believes he deserves.

Two weeks ago, Thompson made headlines for disassociating himself with the Warriors on social media. Then he abruptly cut ties with Stephen Curry. That led to a strong reaction from Thompson’s longtime teaMMAte, Draymond Green.

Although Thompson recently dropped a hint about which team he was most interesting in joining if he left Golden State, the Los Angeles Lakers can’t be ignored in all this.

L.A. has been linked to Thompson for quite some time. They are one of four teams he would be willing to leave the Warriors for. And he fits the bill of precisely what the team needs right now – a reliable shooter.

The question is just whether the right deal for both sides can materialize. The Lakers’ only real path to stars this summer is a sign-and-trade – and they won’t give up big assets for Thompson.

Which means he would have to take less money in order to come home and play for a contender. At least one other superstar has shown an openness to this, but thus far Thompson hasn’t commented on it one way or another.

Is there a path this summer to a link-up between Thompson and the Lakers? Time will tell.

Jennifer Withers Hoey

Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about Sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.