Klay Thompson landing spots: 5 NBA teams who could possibly sign him in 2019 free agency
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson is expected to become a free agent once the period begins in the summer and he’s expected to draw interest from several teams.
However, teams may be a bit more worried about going after Thompson because of the injury he suffered during Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Thompson tore his ACL in the loss.
The injury could make teams more cautious about offering Thompson a max contract while he might miss most or all of the 2019-20 season.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Here are five teams that could sign Thompson once free agency begins on June 30.
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Golden State Warriors
The Warriors appear to have the inside edge to re-sign Thompson.. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
It appears the Warriors are the odds on favorite to retain Thompson during free agency. The Warriors can offer Thompson the most money in a max contract and, with the possibility of Kevin Durant leaving, it would mean more opportunities for Thompson to shoot the ball. Mychal Thompson, Klay’s father, and Andre Iguodala, Klay’s teammate, have both predicted the shooter will re-signs with Golden State.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Los Angeles Lakers
A team with Thompson, LeBron James and Anthony Davis could be the favorites to win the NBA title next season. (Imaginechina via AP Images)
If for whatever reason Thompson doesn’t sign, he could land with the Lakers and play with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But if Thompson is truly “sick of the crumbs” he was getting with the Warriors – as ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith put it – having to play alongside two superstars again may not suit him. However, the three-time NBA champion is reportedly expected to be in “Space Jam 2” with James as the lead star, which may be a telling sign the Lakers are trying to pull Thompson to Southern California.
Los Angeles Clippers
The other L.A. team could express interest in the sharpshooter. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
The Clippers’ possibility of signing Thompson hinges on whether the Warriors offer him a max contract, according to ESPN. With the Clippers, Thompson would presumably be the lead guy and give Los Angeles some firepower heading into the 2019-20 season. The Clippers also appear to be in the running for Kawhi Leonard.
Atlanta Hawks
Are the Hawks a dark horse candidate to sign Thompson? (Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports)
The Hawks are another team that could be waiting to pounce on Thompson if the Warriors don’t give him a max deal. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Hawks are “confident” they can persuade Thompson to sign with them. Adding another sharpshooter next to Trae Young could be a deadly combination in the Eastern Conference.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Dallas Mavericks
Pairing Thompson with Luka Doncic could make the Mavericks a contender in the Western Conference. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Mavericks will reportedly be trying to lure a big-name free agent to pair with Luka Doncic. The Dallas Morning-News noted that Thompson could be a good partner. But like the others, the Mavericks might only get a shot at him if the Warriors don’t give him a max deal.