Odds of Warriors Re-Signing Klay Thompson Set at 1-5
- Klay Thompson is set to become an unrestricted free agent following eight seasons in Golden State
- The Warriors face a difficult choice with both Thompson and Kevin Durant set to receive max contracts this summer
- Front office flux and a preoccupation with Anthony Davis has likely taken the Lakers out of the running to sign the Splash Brother
Klay Thompson is set to become one of the most highly sought-after free agents at the conclusion of the current NBA season, but despite recent reports suggesting the eight-year veteran is unhappy in Golden State, the Warriors remain heavy favorites to retain Thompson’s services. They sport short -500 odds on the NBA specials at sportsbooks.
.@RealJayWilliams thinks that this may be the last season we see Klay Thompson in a Warriors jersey. pic.twitter.com/netd3kaa1p
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 7, 2019
Klay Thompson 2019 Free Agency Odds
| Team | Free Agency Odds |
|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | -500 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +250 |
| New York Knicks | 9000 |
| Brooklyn Nets | +900 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | +900 |
| FIELD | +300 |
Odds taken 05/09/19.
Thompson a Model of Consistency in 8 Seasons with Warriors
Thompson has been a model of consistency since joining the Warriors as the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Teaming up with fellow Splash Brother Stephen Curry, Thompson has had an immediate and steady impact on the Warriors’ fortunes, averaging over 20 points and three three-pointers per game over the past five seasons while contributing to the club’s three NBA championship wins.
🚨IS THIS FAIR🚨
Klay Thompson becomes the second player in NBA history to make 200 three-pointers in seven consecutive seasons, joining Stephen Curry.2012-13: 211
2013-14: 223
2014-15: 239
2015-16: 276
2016-17: 268
2017-18: 229
2018-19: 203 (Active) pic.twitter.com/wD9Dm0Vh4E— Ryan Hollins (@TheRyanHollins) March 14, 2019
Speculation existed at the outset of this season that Thompson may leave the Bay Area to join LeBron James in Los Angeles, with the Lakers pegged as an early +200 co-favorite to sign the five-time NBA All-Star.
However, unlike other NBA stars, who have fueled the rumor mill with trade requests or by lashing out at members of the media, Thompson has remained largely silent on the topic of his impending free agency, except to consistently reiterate his desire to remain with Golden State.
Thompson has remained largely silent on the topic of his impending free agency, except to consistently reiterate his desire to remain with Golden State.
That’s good news for the Warriors, who must also deal with the strong likelihood that two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant is set to leave town as a free agent at the end of the season.
Lakers’ Summer of Change Unlikely to Include Signing Thompson
The Lakers remain a potential destination, sitting second to the Warriors as a +200 bet to land Thompson this summer. Los Angeles will have plenty of cap space available to add a star to play alongside King James.
"The Lakers have moved into Hail Mary territory…
You trade everything to get Anthony Davis and then you cross your fingers on Jimmy Butler." — @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/3RN60YVRUW
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) April 23, 2019
However, the Lakers’ front office remains in flux following a disappointing campaign and the subsequent departure of team boss Magic Johnson. And with the Lakers being regularly discussed as the next destination for a long list of impending free agents including Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, and trade talk involving New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis not going away, Thompson and the Lakers no longer look to be a good fit.
This got to be running in Kyrie’s mind right now: pic.twitter.com/LzdUUxya2W
— NBALakersReport (@NBALakersReport) May 9, 2019
Warriors Face Choice: Durant or Thompson
Both Thompson and Durant are in line to receive max contracts this summer, and the Warriors are pegged as -150 favorites to re-sign Durant. However, facing an impending salary cap crunch, Golden State simply cannot afford to pay the max to both superstars.
That reality has fueled strong +100 odds of Durant leaving town for the New York Knicks, opening the door for Thompson to remain with the club.
The Knicks are mentioned as one of the top free agent destinations for Kevin Durant if he does leave the Warriors, but New York's other team might be a better fit pic.twitter.com/pXc45YDjSi
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 15, 2019
That’s just fine with Thompson, who has tended to shun the spotlight since starting his NBA career. Thompson has been unequivocal in his desire to stay in Golden State, stating that playing with the Warriors is the “only thing” he has ever known in his NBA career, while embracing the process that has led the Warriors from doormat to dynasty in the NBA.
Warriors free agency rumors: 'Feeling is' Klay Thompson wants to re-sign, Steve Kerr says https://t.co/PAqRhMoWyf pic.twitter.com/1IveInC3IK
— Sporting News NBA (@sn_nba) May 8, 2019
While saying the right things publicly while privately harboring plans to test free agency has become commonplace among NBA stars, Thompson’s public statements have been voluntarily and vigorously backed up by both teammates and Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who has been adamant about Thompson’s desire to remain in Golden State, and the club’s desire to keep him.
Pick: Golden State Warriors (-500)
Daniel has been writing about sports and sports betting for over 23 years. The seasoned pro has contributed to the likes of Sports Illustrated, Sportsnet, NESN, Bleacher Report, OddsShark, the Globe and Mail, and The Nation magazine.
