Klay Thompson has been a key cog in the Golden State Warriors’ four championships over the past decade. With their core players aging, the Warriors failed to get through the play-in tournament this season. Now, the 34-year-old guard is set to enter free agency after playing out his five-year, $189 million contract.
Below, we take a look at NBA odds for the next team to sign Thompson. The Warriors have the shortest odds to resign their veteran, but those interested in offseason options at NBA betting sites might take a look at the franchises that could outbid the Warriors for his services.
Klay Thompson’s next team odds
The wording for this bet specifically accounts for where Klay Thompson will start next season, so if the veteran signs with the Warriors but is traded after the first week of the season, the Warriors are a correct guess on the proposition of “Where Klay Thompson’s next regular season minute will be played.”
The Warriors could also sign and trade Thompson this offseason. If that scenario occurs, and he begins the season with the Orlando Magic, for example, tickets on Thompson to play his first minute with the Magic will cash.
Here are the odds for teams to potentially acquire Thompson.
- Golden State Warriors -150
- Orlando Magic +300
- Philadelphia 76ers +1600
- OKC Thunder +1600
- Dallas Mavericks +1600
- LA Lakers +1600
- Sacramento Kings +2000
- Miami Heat +2000
- San Antonio Spurs +2000
- NY Knicks +5000
- New Orleans Pelicans +5000
- Milwaukee Bucks +5000
- Memphis Grizzlies +5000
- LA Clippers +5000
- Houston Rockets +5000
- Cleveland Cavaliers +5000
- Rest of teams +5000 or more
Teams favored to roster Klay Thompson
Here is a look at the favorites to attain Klay Thompson’s services
Golden State Warriors
As a franchise legend who could someday have a statue outside the arena, Thompson is still most likely to re-sign with the Warriors in the latest odds. The franchise reportedly offered him a two-year extension worth $48 million in December, which he declined. Thompson made $43.2 million in the final year of his deal and is likely facing a pay cut going forward, but he may want a longer commitment than two years regardless of salary.
Orlando Magic
A young team with an elite defense and limited shooting on offense could be a leading suitor for Thompson, should he become available. Orlando averaged the fewest made 3-pointers per game (11) in the NBA last season and still finished with the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference.
Los Angeles Lakers
Thompson grew up in Santa Margarita, which lies between the Bay Area and Los Angeles. His father, Mychal Thompson, played for the Lakers from 1987-91 and was part of two championship runs. Klay was linked to the Lakers five years ago before he re-signed with the Warriors.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers could be major players in free agency this offseason with a number of expiring contracts and cap space around stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Adding a sharpshooter like Thompson could give Philadelphia a boost in the Eastern Conference, and Golden State might regard that as a safe destination to ship its veteran guard.
Oklahoma City Thunder
While the Thunder’s front office possesses a boatload of future draft picks, it’s hard to picture a 34-year-old guard joining a young group that is just entering its collective championship window. On the other hand, Thompson could add a veteran presence to a locker room that lacks experience in the later rounds of the playoffs.
Sacramento Kings
Could Thompson sign with one of Golden State’s biggest rivals? If negotiations sour and he wants to spurn the franchise that drafted him 13 seasons ago, the Kings would provide an outlet to net some revenge against the Warriors. When Draymond Green became a free agent last summer, the Kings were rumored to be a leading candidate to pry him away from the Warriors.
Miami Heat
Pat Riley and the Miami Heat are always lurking when it comes to signing potential veterans in a “win-now” move. The Heat might need more shooting around Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, two outstanding two-way players who lack 3-point range in their respective games. Miami also has to make a decision on Butler this offseason and has to deal with luxury tax implications.
San Antonio Spurs
With Victor Wembanyama ascending to superstar status at a rapid rate, the Spurs could look to bolster their roster with experienced guards. Gregg Popovich has developed a healthy respect for Thompson over the course of several seasons playing against the sharpshooter, including some epic postseason battles.
