Golden State Warriors: Best alternative options proposed for Klay Thompson in free agency

The contractual situation of Klay Thompson will continue as a major storyline throughout the Golden State Warriors season, with the veteran shooting-guard set to hit free agency unless an extension agreement can be met by player and franchise.

Thompson is currently making $43.2 million on the final year of his deal, having averaged 16.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and two assists in eight games for the Warriors this season.

One team stands out as an alternative destination for Klay Thompson should he depart the Golden State Warriors in free agency.

In a recent article looking at the top landing spots for the best unrestricted free agents next offseason, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus ultimately believes the five-time All-Star will extend his contract prior to July on a deal worth between $25-35 million per season.

"Stephen Curry playing without Klay Thompson alongside him doesn’t feel right. During the years that Thompson was sidelined with severe leg injuries, the Golden State Warriors weren’t very good,” Pincus wrote."

However, if Thompson wants to look elsewhere, Pincus identifies the Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets as possible alternatives.

Of those teams, Philly certainly stands out as the one franchise closest to championship contention. If things go pear-shaped for the 76ers this season, they’ll have the flexibility to rebuild their roster around Joel Embiid should they so desire.

The Magic are another interesting option, though they’re still incredibly youthful despite the immense talent. They could certainly do with Thompson’s shooting prowess, but it would be hard to fathom the 33-year-old moving from the Bay to Orlando.

There’s always murmurs about the potential of Thompson joining the Los Angeles Lakers where his father Mychal won two championships and is a current broadcaster. However, they’re unlikely to have the cap room and regardless, Mychal has confirmed his son is ‘a Dub’ and “ain goin nowhere.”

It’s truly difficult to envisage Thompson playing anywhere but in a Warrior uniform. As one of the franchise’s greatest ever players and a future hall-of-famer, you would expect sanity to prevail despite some rumblings about the challenge of re-signing the sharpshooter.