Insiders expect Klay Thompson to leave the Warriors

The idea of Klay Thompson donning a non-Warriors jersey is still surreal to some, but the man himself is seemingly preparing to move out of the Bay Area. 

On the "Warriors Plus Minus" podcast recently, The Athletic's Marcus Thompson II and Anthony Slater reported that all signs point to Thompson departing from the Warriors as a free agent this offseason. 

"His situation remains very unsettled behind the scenes," Slater said, reiterating his report from May 30 when he said that Thomspon "appears ready to test free-agency waters" for the first time in his career.

Thompson II chimed in, "I don't think it's looking good for him coming back. I think he's going to get a bunch of money thrown at him. Then Klay has to decide."

Thompson II added that the Warriors sharpshooter could attract offers north of $30 million per season from interested suitors such as the Magic, Thunder and Sixers. He also didn't rule out the possibility of other teams joining the fray when the NBA's free-agency period commences on June 29. 

While the Warriors — who own Thompson's Bird Rights — could technically outbid other suitors by offering the Splash Brother more money, the chances of that happening are slim. 

Team governor Joe Lacob has reiterated that his franchise intends to shed its mounting luxury-tax bill after spending a whopping $384 million in 2023-24 just to finish 10th in the Western Conference. 

Since the 2013-14 season, Lacob's ownership group has spent $677 million in luxury-tax penalties, per ESPN's Bobby Marks. 

The Warriors roster could look drastically different starting with the 2024-25 season.