The Los Angeles Lakers have not shut the door on another notable addition. Whether the Lakers improved their roster from last season is a debate for another day, but what is inarguable is that the team has not been this offseason. L.A. has been among the busiest teams in free agency.
Recently, it was reported that the Lakers have some interest in acquiring Klay Thompson, the 36-year-old Dallas Mavericks guard who has been rumored to be headed toward a contract buyout. But according to NBA insider Brett Siegel, Thompson and the Mavs have not discussed a buyout despite rampant speculation.
“Amid speculation and people asking, Klay Thompson and the Mavs are not currently negotiating a buyout, sources confirmed to @ClutchPoints,” Siegel reported on X, formerly Twitter.
Lakers Receive Latest on Klay Thompson
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 05: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a three-point basket against the Indiana Pacers at Chase Center on December 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Although a buyout doesn’t appear to be on the horizon for Thompson, the Mavs are open to trading the five-time All-Star.
“The Mavs are open to trading Thompson,” Siegel reported, “but there have not been active discussions as of today between the two sides on a buyout.”
Siegel’s report follows an earlier one from The Athletic saying the Mavs had explored trades for Thompson, whom they signed as a free agent in 2024.
“At this point, it remains unclear if Klay Thompson — the Mavericks’ leading 3-point shooter in each of the past two seasons — will be back in Dallas for a third year,” the report said. “The Mavericks have explored his trade market but have yet to find a deal, multiple sources with rival teams told The Athletic on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss any potential negotiations. Thompson is owed $17.5 million this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027.”
Thompson, who is entering the final season of a three-year deal he signed with Dallas, is owed $17 million next season.
Klay Open to L.A.
According to reports, Thompson, a Los Angeles native, is open to rooting his next stop in L.A. NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that Thompson will continue to generate interest from teams.
“It’s not a surprise to me that my buddy Christian Clark, the Mavericks writer over at The Athletic, said and reported this week that Thompson would welcome a return home to Los Angeles, of course, where he is from, where his father, Mychael Thompson has played and done media for a long, long time here,” Fischer reported.
Added Fischer: “This market that is shaping up for him, the fact that there is some L.A. interest, the fact that there is Miami interest, there’s probably other teams that have interest in Klay Thompson as well.
The Lakers have added plenty of shooting this offseason, but adding Thompson, especially if it can be done though free agency, could be a strong pick up.
Thompson reportedly narrowed his list down to the Mavs and Lakers when deciding where to sign as a free agent in 2024. Thompson ultimately chose Dallas because of the opportunity to play alongside Luka Doncic.
Thompson averaged 11.7 points per game and shot 38.3 percent from the 3-point line last season.
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