Klay Thompson-Warriors Drama Pushing Him Even Closer to Lakers

The idea of Klay Thompson leaving the Golden State Warriors is becoming more of a possibility as we get closer to the start of NBA free agency. Thompson is already generating interest from rival teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers.

Among those three Western Conference foes, the Lakers would love to add Thompson to their offense and LeBron James hopes that’s the case. The good news for James is his dream could become a reality based on the latest report from Chris B. Haynes.

Chris B. Hayes reported on NBATV Saturday night that Thompson is very disappointed with the negotiations and a few members of the Golden State Warriors believe that he’s gone. Haynes added, “I believe the Warriors are probably offering him an annually, low $20M-type of contract. Is he willing to walk away from that because he feels disrespected? It looks like he is.”

When it comes to the Lakers and the Mavericks, Thompson would take a significant pay cut to join those teams. The only way the Lakers could fit the 34-year-old Thompson is through the full MLE (mid-level exception), which is $12.9 million.

However, for Thompson to get the full MLE from Los Angeles, James must take less than the max, which he reportedly would do for the former NBA champion. 

Even though Thompson took a noticeable step back this season, he averaged 17.9 points per game on 43.2 percent shooting from the field and 38.7 percent from deep. Thompson’s DRtg (defensive rating) was 118 (career-worst), but those issues can be hidden when playing next to James and Anthony Davis.

Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how free agency plays for the Lakers and Thompson. If Los Angeles were to get Thompson, it would be a monumental loss for the Warriors and the first start to a good offseason for the purple and gold.

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