Report: 76ers could target Klay in free agency this summer originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
Klay Thompson has spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Warriors, but will the five-time All-Star head to the East Coast this summer?
The Philadelphia 76ers would potentially have Thompson on their list of free agent targets this summer, Yahoo! Sports Jake Fischer reported on Thursday, citing sources.
Philadelphia reportedly took note of the one-plus-one contract the Indiana Pacers issued to winger Bruce Brown last summer, with Thompson among the top names the 76ers could target in a similar deal in free agency.
Indiana ultimately used Brown’s contract to match salary in a February trade with the Toronto Raptors for All-NBA wing Pascal Siakam, which could further incentivize Philadelphia to sign a player like Thompson in a similarly structured deal. .
Thompson still has tremendous value as one of the most feared shooters to ever step onto an NBA court, with some performances during the 2023-24 season serving as a reminder that he’s still just as dangerous an offensive weapon in the league when he gets warm.
Philadelphia could potentially create a sizable chunk of cap space this offseason after trading former MVP James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for a package that included several expiring contracts, offering the 76ers tremendous financial flexibility should they decide to aggressively pursue Thompson.
The 34-year-old sharpshooter posted 12 games with at least six 3-pointers last season, offering an elite level of spacing that the 76ers could match with their All-Star tandem of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Although the Warriors have been open about their desire to keep Thompson moving forward, the future remains as uncertain as ever Golden State’s aging core faces the sunset of a historic dynasty.
Thompson averaged 17.9 points while shooting 38.7 percent from beyond the arc last season while adjusting to a midseason change that saw him get out of the bank for the first time in more than a decade.
Whether or not Thompson continues his NBA career with the only organization he has already met will be an important storyline to monitor as free agency approaches, with the Orlando Magic reportedly interested in the lifelong warrior as well.
