Another day, another Klay Thompson rumor. But with NBA free agency just 48 hours away, things are getting tighter than ever.
With each passing day, it looks more and more like Thompson’s time in the Bay Area may be coming to an end. If that ends up being the case, several teams are said to be interested in the veteran sharpshooter.
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of those teams, The Athletics. Sam Amick and Anthony Slater report. In addition to the Denver Nuggets declining their player option, they are set to lose free agent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who will hit the open market on Sunday, a source said Friday morning.
If Denver were to sign Thompson elsewhere, it would “make him a replacement” for Caldwell-Pope, Amick and Slater reported, citing a source.
“A few other contending teams” have also shown interest in Thompson, Amick and Slater added, depending on the price tag.
Amick and Slater did not name those rival teams directly, league sources said. NBA insider Marc Stein After reportedly linking Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons on Friday, the Dallas Mavericks’ newfound financial flexibility said they are interested in “exploring the feasibility” of signing Thompson in free agency.
Thompson, who is looking for at least a three-year deal, could help Denver with his two-way play, especially in place of Caldwell’s pop, and provide Dallas’ shooting services, one of the team’s big offseason priorities.
Golden State wants to bring Thompson back. Thompson said he wanted to retire with the team he drafted in 2011 (several months ago). A lot has changed since then.
But time is running out to make a decision. And Thompson and the Warriors seem to have plenty of options other than the five-time NBA All-Star.
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