The Los Angeles Lakers made a hard run at Klay Thompson before he decided to sign with the Dallas Mavericks.
Thompson agreed to a three-year, $50 million deal with the Mavericks, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Much of the talk involving Thompson and the Lakers included the team using the full mid-level exception, worth $12.8 million, to sign him.
However, Lakers insider Anthony Irwin reported that the team offered Thompson a four-year deal worth $80 million. Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report later expanded on that report.
“I was told the Lakers made a pretty compelling offer. It was around a three to four-year mark, around the lines of $20 million per,” Haynes said in a video posted to social media. “They didn’t get their guy.”
Haynes explains that landing Thompson for that price would have involved a sign-and-trade. The Warriors were uninterested in what the Lakers had to offer.
“It was going to take a sign-and-trade scenario and had nothing to do with LeBron James taking less. It was going to take a sign-and-trade to get Klay and it did not happen,” Haynes said. “The scenario likely involved D’Angelo Russell. The Warriors were not interested in bringing back D’Angelo Russell. That wasn’t feasible for the Warriors.”
Taxes, Championship Hopes Lured Klay Thompson From Lakers
It also appears that Thompson felt that the Mavericks, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, are better set up for a title run.
“Thompson had four-year offers for more money, but taking less was offset by the chance to win a fifth championship with the Mavs and difference in state taxes,” Wojnarowski tweeted, mentioning Thompson’s camp was in serious talks with the Lakers.
James has been clear that he’s willing to sacrifice financially for the Lakers to land another impact player. Thompson was high on his list. The four-time MVP called Thompson to start recruiting right when free agency opened.
“They’ve had conversations tonight,” Wojnarowski said on June 30. “I’m told LeBron James called Klay Thompson right when free agency opened at 6 p.m Eastern — reached out, talked to Klay.”
Lakers Still Seeking Star-Level Player
The Lakers have struck out in their star search so far. James said he’d be willing to take less for players like James Harden, Jonas Valanciunas or Thompson. All three have locked in their futures elsewhere. But LA still hopes to make something happen.
“The Lakers, right now, are trying to identify a player. They are seeking a star-caliber player. Whether it be LeBron sacrificing salary for the full mid-level, or a sign-and-trade scenario,” Haynes said. “When the Lakers make moves, they make big moves. But they did strike out on Klay Thompson.”
The latest name mentioned has been DeMar DeRozan, who is unsure of his future with the Chicago Bulls.
“I think there’s more than three,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective podcast. “I think DeMar DeRozan is on that list as well. And there may be another one or so.”
DeRozan averaged 24.0 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game last season.
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