The two longtime NBA rivals may team up.
Former Golden State Warriors shooter Klay Thompson heard from LeBron James when free agency began on Sunday night, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
“I’m told LeBron James called Klay Thompson right after free agency opened, at 6 p.m. ET,” Wojnarowski said. “sports Center.”
The source added Sunday night that Thompson will “have discussions” with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.
On Sunday night, it was reported that Thompson and the Warriors were leaning toward parting ways after 13 years together and four championships.
The 34-year-old shooting guard was far from his usual All-Star form last season, averaging just 17.9 points per game (his lowest scoring average since the 2012-13 season) and averaging just 3.3 rebounds per game.
Thompson was benched for much of the Warriors’ second half, with rookie guard Brandin Podziemski taking over in the starting lineup for that stretch.
The five-time All-Star’s 63 starts were his fewest appearances in a full season since his rookie season in 2011-12.
Thompson was one of the pillars of Golden State’s dynasty, and his dynamic shooting and tenacious defense were the perfect complement to the play of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
As for Thompson and James, they both have plenty of knowledge based on their extensive playoff experience.
The two stars faced off in the NBA Finals every year from 2015 to 2018 and also met in the Western Conference semifinals in 2023, with Los Angeles winning in six games.
On June 29, it was reported that James would waive his $51.4 million option for the 2024-25 season and take a pay cut to make room for an attractive free agent like Thompson.
Last year, Los Angeles went 47-35 before losing to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.
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If Thompson stays on the West Coast with the Lakers – the same team his father, Michael, played for five years – he would pair with James, Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell under rookie head coach J.J. Redick.
With Paul George agreeing to a $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, Thompson’s new destination becomes the most intriguing domino to fall so far in the preliminary stage of NBA free agency.
