OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 13: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the first half during Game Six of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
As free agency nears, the Los Angeles Clippers could potentially get a shot at signing Klay Thompson.
While most of the free agency rumors have focused on other players like Kyrie Irving or Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson’s free agency situation took an interesting turn. It was reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that Thompson would listen to the Clippers if the Warriors did not present him with a max contract offer this summer.
Even though Thompson tore his ACL in Game 6 of the NBA Finals and could possibly miss the majority of next season, he feels that he is still worth a max contract slot. Though it seems as if Thompson would prefer to stay in Golden State, it also looks like he isn’t willing to take a discount at this stage in his career. With Thompson already suffering from a major injury, it is wise of him to go ahead and make sure that he cashes in on the biggest contract that he can get.
If the Warriors hesitate to provide Thompson with the contract that he desires, the Clippers could possibly swoop in and nab the talented guard. The Clippers could also potentially sell the possibility of Thompson being able to play with Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles without having to hide behind LeBron James on the Lakers. Obviously, the Clippers still have to convince both Leonard and Thompson that they are the right choice, but it is an interesting proposition to think about as we near July 1.
Regardless of Thompson’s ACL tear, it seems as if teams will still be willing to pony up if the Warriors back away from the table. The Warriors might have the advantage at the moment, but there are teams waiting in the background to nab the superstar guard if they slip up.