Report: Warriors preparing to lose Klay in free agency

The Golden State Warriors are expecting to part ways with impending free agent Klay Thompson this offseason, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater.

Golden State reportedly hoped to prioritize other potential avenues this offseason and was willing to later negotiate with Thompson on a deal to keep the four-time champ in the Bay Area. However, Thompson's side is doubtful of the Warriors' intentions and is now set on exploring deals with other teams.

Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers are expected to be very interested in adding Thompson, sources told Charania and Slater. The Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks are also reportedly interested in his services.

Thompson is interested in the idea of playing alongside LeBron James if he returns to the Lakers this summer, sources told Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times. The 34-year-old wing reportedly intends to speak with L.A. as well as the Mavs.

Golden State drafted Thompson 11th overall in 2011, and he's spent his entire career with the organization. A five-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive selection, the impending free agent has averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 793 appearances over 11 seasons in the Bay Area, but he's regressed since returning from a two-year injury absence in January 2022 from successive ACL and Achilles tears.

While a career 41.3% shooter from deep, Thompson shot 38.7% on threes this past season. That's the second-worst mark over a campaign in his career, better only than the 38.5% he posted over 32 games after returning from his lengthy injury absence. He was also brought off the bench this past season for the first time since his rookie year; the Warriors went 8-6 when he was used as a reserve.