Two of the NBA’s longtime particular person rivals could also be on the way in which to teaming up.
Based on ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, former Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson was contacted by LeBron James as free company started Sunday evening.
“I’m informed LeBron James known as Klay Thompson proper when free company opened, 6 p.m. ET,” Wojnarowski stated on “SportsCenter.”
The insider added on Sunday evening that Thompson was anticipated to “have discussions” with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.
It was reported Sunday night that Thompson and the Golden State Warriors had been studying towards a break up after 13 years and 4 titles collectively.
The 34-year-old capturing guard didn’t appear to be his traditional All-Star-caliber self final season, ending with 17.9 factors per sport — his fewest in a season since 2012-13 — and solely 3.3 rebounds per matchup.
Thompson was moved to the bench throughout a lot of the Warriors’ second half, being changed by breakout rookie guard Brandin Podziemski within the beginning lineup in the course of the span.
The five-time All-Star’s 63 begins had been his fewest in a full season since his rookie 12 months in 2011-12.
Thompson was one of many anchors of Golden State’s dynasty, his dynamic capturing and tenacious protection completely complementing the play of Steph Curry and Draymond Inexperienced.
Because it pertains to Thompson and James, the 2 have loads of familiarity based mostly on their in depth playoff expertise.
The celebs confronted one another in the course of the NBA Finals yearly from 2015-18, along with 2023 Western Convention Semifinals, which Los Angeles received in six video games.
It was reported on June 29 that James would choose out of his $51.4 million choice for the 2024-25 season, supposedly taking a pay reduce as a way to woo engaging free agent choices like Thompson.
Final 12 months, Los Angeles went 47-35 earlier than shedding within the first spherical of the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets.
If Thompson does keep on the West Coast with the Lakers — the identical franchise for which his dad, Mychal, performed for 5 years — he would pair up with James, Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell beneath rookie head coach JJ Redick.
With Paul George deciding to signal with the Philadelphia 76ers, Thompson’s new vacation spot turns into probably the most intriguing domino but to fall within the preliminary phases of NBA free company.
