Celtics Will Be Aggressive In Targeting Bench Help

The Golden State Warriors are preparing to lose Klay Thompson in free agency, sources tell The Athletic. Both sides are operating under the assumption that Thompson will end up with another team this offseason.

While the Warriors had hoped to circle back to Thompson with a contract offer after they pursued other trade options, he isn’t expected to be waiting to listen. Thompson is determined to find a new team. Thompson and the Warriors have had nearly no communication since the negotiating period opened nearly two weeks ago without an offer being presented.

The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks are expected to be among the teams to pursue Thompson. The Mavericks have enough space to offer Thompson the full midlevel exception, while the Lakers can also do so if LeBron James takes less than his max. Rich Paul went on record expressing James’ willingness to take a below max deal if the Lakers could sign an impact player for the MLE.

The Warriors are open to participating in a sign-and-trade scenario to help Thompson get the type of contract he wants from a team of his choosing.

Thompson, who is represented by Greg Lawrence, is coming off a five-year, $190 million contract agreed upon in 2019 following his ACL tear in Game 6 of The Finals. In 77 games last season, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 38.7 percent on three-pointers.