NBA Rumors: Klay Thompson Could be Open to Sign MLE Contract to Join Lakers, Clippers

Klay Thompson would reportedly be willing to take a discount in free agency in order to join the Los Angeles Lakers or the Los Angeles Clippers.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, “word circulating among league personnel” is that Thompson would accept the $12.9 million mid-level exception from either of the teams in Los Angeles. Fischer also noted that the Dallas Mavericks are one of the “strongest suitors” for the Golden State Warriors guard.

The Lakers may be able to open up the exception space after LeBron James declined his $51.4 million player option on Saturday. James is now eligible to sign a three-year maximum contract worth $162 million, although he might accept less in order to help the team have some more flexibility in free agency.

Rich Paul, Klutch Sports CEO and James’ agent, told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that the NBA’s all-time leading scorer would be willing to sign a deal below the maximum amount in order to open up the full $12.9 million exception. Per McMenamin, Thompson is among the “type” of players that James would consider taking less money for.

It would be a surprising move for Thompson to accept the mid-level exception, as he reportedly turned down a two-year extension worth $48 million from the Warriors prior to the 2023-24 season. Matt Moore of Action Network also reported on Thursday that the Orlando Magic are currently willing to offer the veteran a two-year, $50 million deal.

Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game last season as he bounced back and forth between the starting lineup and the bench.

Although he wasn’t able to reach an extension agreement with Golden State, the Southern California native appears to be open to accepting a smaller contract in order to play in Los Angeles.