Report: Warriors have ‘prioritized’ other targets over Klay Thompson

Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Warriors have ‘prioritized’ Paul George trade, other targets over Klay Thompson

By Jeff Smith | Last updated Jun 28, 2024 10:41 PM ET

The NBA world is unlikely to witness a storybook ending to the Golden State Warriors dynasty. After winning three championships in four years and four over eight seasons, the Warriors' big three, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, look poised to become a dynamic duo this offseason.

Thompson's impending free agency remains a popular conversation as the reports on contract talks with the Warriors have provided little reason for optimism. According to Marc Stein, in the latest edition of The Stein Line , part of the reason for this could be that the Warriors are reportedly prioritizing their trade pursuit of Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George and "other targets."

"Warriors coach Steve Kerr appeared on 'The Jim Rome Show' earlier this week and said that he "desperately" wants Thompson to stay, but league sources say that Golden State has prioritized the trade pursuit of the LA Clippers' Paul George and other targets all week, only widening the gulf between the sides," Stein said.

Stein reported that there is expected to be a "strong mutual interest" between Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks once free agency gets underway. From the sound of it, both sides seem ready and willing to bid farewell to their storied time together and begin a new chapter.

Even if the Warriors and Thompson opt to go their separate ways, monitoring what happens with both parties will be interesting. The chatter surrounding Thompson to the Mavericks has intensified, and if the Clippers aren't willing to pay George what he's seeking, they'd be wise to trade him as opposed to losing him in free agency and gaining nothing in return.

Time will tell, but George in a Warriors jersey alongside Curry and Green and Thompson teaming up with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving is beginning to feel like a very real potential outcome.

Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith has extensive experience as a sports writer and editor, including stops at ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, USA TODAY SMG, and Heavy. Jeff's passion for sports content starts and finishes with writing and he's grateful to be able to work in that field on a daily basis.

More must-reads: