Thompson is 34 years old and has undergone two major operations despite his successes. In 2019 he had an ACL tear, and in 2020 he tore his Achilles. That may make it difficult for him to draw suitors.
A Western Conference executive told Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports that he doubted Thompson would sign another big contract.
The executive told Deveney in a report published on April 17 that “it is going to be a slow market for everyone, there is not a lot of money out there.” “You have to accept the fact that you are 34 years old and have undergone two major surgeries.”
The executive went on to suggest Thompson might receive $20 million annually even with a shorter deal.
The executive stated, “I could see him getting two years and $40 million, maybe three years with the third year partially guaranteed. You never know how a team values a player.”
Thompson’s warning signs are difficult to ignore. However, his small market may make it simpler for the Sixers to sign him to a less expensive contract.
This upcoming summer, the Philadelphia 76ers will have cap space, which they must use carefully. Among the well-known athletes who will be free agents is Klay Thompson.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report outlined how the Sixers and the Golden State Warriors champion might gain from one another.
Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid account for a lot of usage, ball handling, and creating. Thompson would only need to move while off the ball and hit catch-and-shoot threes to be a Sixer.
“Defenses would be forced to keep an eye on him outside if he played with the same volume and efficiency as this season.” And it, consequently, ought to deflect some of the focus off the Maxey-Embiid two-man game,” Bailey wrote in a piece published on April 18.
As a player, Thompson has a long and impressive career with the Warriors. He has been on five straight All-Star teams from 2015 to 2019 and has won four titles (in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022).
At the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, his $189 million, five-year deal with the Warriors came to an end. The Sixers would find it simpler to add him because of the Warriors’ high salary.
Nothing linking Thompson to the Sixers has surfaced in the stories. But several sources indicate that the Sixers are interested in Paul George.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, George is their top goal throughout the summer.
In an article published on April 12, Pompey stated, “Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George is expected to be their top target if (he) declines his $48.8 million player option with L.A. for next season.”
George, as opposed to Thompson, has a player option valued at almost $48.8 million for the 2024–25 campaign. While they have extended Kawhi Leonard’s contract, the Clippers have not done the same for George.
George’s future at the Clippers might be determined by how well they play in the postseason. Simultaneously, his decision to join the Sixers may depend on how they do in the postseason.
