The rumors are heating up as we move closer to the start of free agency on Sunday evening. The Sixers have been linked to names like Paul George and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope over the last few days and have now been linked to another free agent to be, Klay Thompson.
The Athletic’s NBA Insiders Sam Amick and Anthony Slater mentioned in their most recent article that “A league source said Philadelphia has interest in Thompson”. Thompson, one half of the Splash Brothers, seems to be nearing a departure from the Golden State Warriors, where he won four championships.
Thompson and the Warriors were not able to come to an agreement on an extension during the season and were reportedly far apart when numbers were discussed. Amick and Slater reported “it has become increasingly conceivable, according to league sources, that Thompson will decide to leave regardless, searching for a fresh start in a different environment“. His last few years in Golden State were filled with friction and injuries, although they were able to win a Championship in 2022.
What’s the price?
The Sixers are obviously interested in Thompson due to his shooting ability, quick trigger, and willingness to shoot a high volume of three-pointers. Daryl Morey and Elton Brand are trying to cover all bases and be able to quickly pivot if their other options fall through.
If the Sixers don’t land their most coveted target, Paul George, they could move to add players like Cadwell-Pope or Thompson to the fold. The difference between their interest in each player could be in the amount of money and years Thompson would want. With KCP rumored to have a market around $20-25 million dollars per year, Thompson could request a number closer to $30 million dollars per year. He reportedly rejected a two-year $48 million dollar contact extension last offseason.
Is there a fit with the Sixers?
Klay Thompson’s fit on the Sixers makes a ton of sense, although he shouldn’t be expected to take on the role of a true third star. He could be a high-level player with the purpose of providing consistent shooting on most nights. Last season in the Bay, he ended up being benched in favor of rookie Brandin Podziemski, which caused some friction between him and the organization. Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game and shooting 38.7 percent from three-point range on nine attempts per game. He was fifth in three-pointers made per game and fourth in total threes made.
He has obviously lost a step defensively due to some of his lower body injuries and age, which has made him less reliable on that end of the court. He’s not a turnstile on defense but he is at the stage of his career where he shouldn’t be counted on to guard an opponent’s best perimeter players.
Thompson would be a solid consolation prize for the Sixers if they strike out on top targets in free agency and trades and could slot into a role that could provide spacing for Philly’s stars to work.
AP Photo/Brandon Dill
