It all started with Klay Thompson unfollowing the Golden State Warriors on Instagram and following Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero. Ever since the complete debacle played out, people contemplated Klay might as well bid adieu to the Warriors and go to the Orlando Magic. But if The Athletic’s Anthony Slater is to be believed, there’s apparently “no traction” to this rumor.
Leaving his home and his buddies Stephen Curry and Draymond Green will be a challenge. After all, he’s not getting any younger. All he’s looking for is some peace and a way to keep himself well-paid for the next 3 or 4 years, whatever is left for him at this point. The Warriors certainly aren’t able to keep up with their end of the offer. So we’re hearing names like Paul George being thrown around in the process. But what about Klay? What’s his future like? Seth Curry, Stephen Curry’s brother, might have an update.
As per his latest Instagram story, we can see an image of Inter and Co Stadium in Orlando. Notably, Inter and Co Stadium is a soccer-specific stadium formerly named the Exploria Stadium. Yes, we know it’s too far stretched, but this update could be a hint, or it could also be one of the adventures Seth is undertaking right now.
The Orlando side is in dire need of a great shooter. And even though Klay Thompson couldn’t perform last season, he still is a great sharp-shooter. He averaged 17.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in all 77 games he played last season. For a veteran, these are decent stats, and his presence as a veteran for the young core Magic has right now can help balance things out there. So, if he hits free agency on June 30, and all things pan out, he might take this route for himself.
Klay’s departure from the Warriors looks closer than ever. But still, if the Warriors do want to re-sign him, they can only offer him a contract of around $20 million because of financial capping. If the figures don’t fit well with him, Klay might get swayed away, especially with great interest around him from other teams in the league, who can offer him the capping he expects.
In April, Stephen Curry did show some concerns regarding his team after the regular season ended. “We’re getting deeper into our careers and we have to continue to evolve and make the necessary adjustments to win games.” Apparently, the GSW point guard was referring to the team members who are fit for the formation. However, coach Steve Kerr hoped to maintain the three bigwigs of his team: Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Klay has often insisted on being a part of the Warriors in the future as well. He is still tied close to them, with his extension worth $125 million that can potentially keep him there till 2025-26. So, even though there are chances of him going elsewhere, there’s still a sliver of hope for fans that he might choose his core this year, too. So, then, what happens to the Warriors without him?
How can Stephen Curry move forward with the Warriors?
The only option that seems fit for the Golden State Warriors right now is to build a team around Stephen Curry and bring in more talent that can take the Warriors to the glorious franchise they were in the past decade.
Paul George, along with Jimmy Butler, is one option for them. Although, it will be a task to get him from the Miami Heat. They can’t just let go of a leader like that. Others in the picture could be Zach LaVine and Brandon Ingram. They all have their virtues to bring to the table that the GSW roster could use defensively.
On the other hand, Stephen Curry still has it in him, as he appeared in 74 games this season. But the catch is that the 4x NBA Champions could not leave the mark with his Splash Brother. Also, there is no scope for a rebuild in the Dubs due to the absence of an anchor player. If Thompson leaves, it might trouble their star, Curry, as well. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the Warriors to keep Klay and trust him for the future of the franchise.
However, one thing is confirmed: the Dubs are not fit for the Championship with the current roster. Ascending age escalates several injuries, and that is not a good sign. If the team does not receive some miracle players, it might drown soon. What’s your opinion about the Dubs’ team formation and future endeavors? Let us know in the comments. And before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.