Klay Thompson's Time In the Bay Area Over?

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        Starting this year, when the NBA Finals are over, teams can begin negotiations with their free agents or players eligible for contract extensions. Pascal Siakam has already agreed on a max extension with the Indiana Pacers and Malik Monk agreed on an extension with the Sacramento Kings. Klay Thompson will be a free agent this summer unless he and the Warriors agree on an extension, however, according to Athletic journalist Anthony Slater, momentum is building towards Thompson leaving Golden State and looking for a fresh start. Slater also reported that even if the Warriors approach with a competitive offer, Thompson will look for a new opportunity elsewhere. 



        The Warriors had a sad ending to their season after being eliminated in the play-in tournament against the Sacramento Kings. A game where Thompson is famously known for scoring zero points, shooting 0-for-10 from the field and 0-for-6 from three-point range. Many around the NBA world believed this could be the last game we see Thompson in a Warriors uniform, long before free agency and now that is looking like a strong possibility. Also, he unfollowed the team's Instagram account, took off any mention of the team from his bio, and deleted the majority of his Warriors-related posts including celebratory photos of himself winning the NBA championship with the Warriors in 2022. 



        It's been reported by Slater that the Warriors have yet to offer Thompson a contract as he is seeking a three-year. This is increasing the idea that this is the end of Thompson in the Bay Area. He was drafted by the Warriors with the 11 overall pick in the 2011 draft. Since then he's had multiple big shooting games, and played a huge role in the Warriors' dynasty, winning four championships in eight years. On June 30, at 6 p.m., teams can negotiate with free agents that aren't their own and it's looking like after that day, Thompson will be saying goodbye to the only franchise he has ever known. 



        A team that has been heavily linked to Thompson is the Orlando Magic. They were the fifth seed this season and made the playoffs for the first time in four years. After losing in the first round against the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games, an area in which the Magic clearly struggled was three-point shooting. That is something a player like Thompson can easily fix, shot 38.7% from long distance this year. While his best days are clearly behind him, his veteran and championship experience, along with his shooting will be something the Magic will heavily value. 
Location: Miami, FL, USA

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