Assessing Klay Thompson’s Free Agent Choices
Klay Thompson's Next Team Odds Anticipate Return to GS
Klay Thompson’s career stats jump off the page: 19.6 points per game at 45.3% shooting and including 41.3% from 3-points. He has four NBA championships and five All-Star appearances. But despite these accolades, Thompson is now on the backend of his career at 34.
Entering this summer as an unrestricted free agent, his future with the Golden State Warriors — the only NBA team he’s played for — is uncertain. By re-signing, he’d likely commit to finishing his career by the Bay. But Golden State could look to go in another direction.
Ahead of free agency, here are Klay Thompson’s next team odds.
THE FAVORITE
Golden State Warriors (-150)
Golden State, unsurprisingly, is the shortest for Klay Thompson’s next team odds. The 34-year-old is coming off one of the least-productive seasons of his 10-year career. He shot just 43.2% from the floor and 38.7% from 3-point range, his lowest percentages since the 2021-22 season. Ultimately, he was relegated to the bench.
With Thompson’s best days behind him, the Warriors must decide if it’s worth bringing back a beloved yet aging star. Golden State may seek to get younger and more versatile after shelling out a league-high $209.4 million in salary last season, only to miss the playoffs.
Improving the Warriors’ standings is the priority.
TOP CONTENDER
Orlando Magic (+300)
If the Warriors choose to move on from Thompson, look for Orlando to be a strong suitor. Thompson and the Magic are said to have a “mutual interest” according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
The fit is obvious. Orlando averaged the fewest 3-pointers per game (11.0) and ranked 24th in 3-point percentage (35.2). Even in a down year by his standards, Thompson still shot close to 40% from beyond the arc.
The Magic can create ample cap space for a max contract. Money won’t be an issue.
NEXT IN LINE
Philadelphia 76ers (+1600)
Philadelphia will have loads of cap space to build a contending team around franchise cornerstones Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Following the team’s first-round playoff losses, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey identified adding a clutch, high-scoring wing as a priority.
Morey figures to have plenty of options, and there have already been rumors connecting them to Clippers star Paul George, who can opt out of his contract. But if that doesn’t materialize, Thompson could be an attractive consolation prize.
Oklahoma City Thunder (+1600)
After flaming out in the Western Conference semifinals, Oklahoma City will be on the lookout for veteran scoring to complement its young core. The Thunder acquired 34-year-old Gordon Hayward, who started only three games (17.2 minutes per game), in a midseason trade. He seems unlikely to return.
Can Thompson help? His winning pedigree would be welcomed.
Dallas Mavericks (+1600)
Will Dallas seek to pair another shooter with ball-dominant guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving? That need may depend on how the rest of this postseason shakes out.
Be sure to keep that in mind when assessing future NBA player props.
Los Angeles Lakers (+1600)
LeBron James remains undecided on his future, though conventional wisdom says he will be back in Los Angeles. The 39-year-old has until June 29 to decide whether to play under his current contract or exercise his player option and hit unrestricted free agency.
Assuming he returns, the Lakers’ focus will remain on maximizing what’s left of his Hall of Fame career.
That could mean targeting a strong shooter like Thompson, an idea that’s already gotten approval from Lakers superfan Snoop Dogg.
“I’m hopeful that we can get us a Klay Thompson,” the famous rapper said recently on The Stephen A Smith Show. “(The Warrors are) trying to minimize him. He needs to be on a team where he is wide open, and we love getting him that look.”
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
San Antonio Spurs (+2000)
Victor Wembanyama is the real deal but needs help. The Spurs won only 22 games and ranked 28th in 3-point percentage during his rookie season.
Thompson would surely give them an offensive boost.
Miami Heat (+2000)
Jimmy Butler will be eligible for an extension this summer that would take the six-time All-Star through the 2026-27 season. If Miami is apprehensive about committing more to Butler, they could seek to trade him.
That’d open up several possibilities for their roster, including signing Thompson.
LONGSHOTS
New York Knicks (+5000)
The Knicks have a win-now roster, and Tom Thibodeau would certainly value his championship DNA.
Other teams with +5000 odds include New Orleans, Milwaukee, Memphis, Houston, Cleveland, and the Clippers.
For Klay Thompson’s next team odds, betting analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
