Klay Thompson is reportedly close to leaving the Golden State Warriors as he looks to make a fresh start.
Even if the Warriors extend a competitive offer to Thompson, it’s realistic the five-time All-Star could decide to leave Golden State regardless, in search of a fresh start elsewhere, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported on Saturday, citing league sources.
Thompson reportedly could pursue a new beginning with another franchise to escape some of the friction that has built up with the Warriors over the last couple seasons as the 34-year-old played out the final years of the 190 million dollar contract he signed in July 2019.
Slater’s report also notes that while a window remains open for Golden State and Thompson to negotiate a new deal before NBA free agency officially begins, talks between the Warriors and the sharpshooting guard have hit a standstill, with no contract offer currently on the league table, per league sources.
Thompson is seeking a contract offer of at least three years, although the path to attaining that desired deal might prove difficult.
The market for Klay Thompson might not be what the four-time NBA champion envisioned, with the Orlando Magic — a primary suitor for his services, the only team willing to offer the three-year offer the 34-year-old is seeking.
