Denver Nuggets eye 4X champion Klay Thompson as partner in crime for Nikola Jokic, according to Insi

July 2024 · 3 minute read

The Denver Nuggets are reportedly interested in signing Klay Thompson, a 4-time NBA champion, to pair with Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets see Thompson as a possible replacement for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has decided to decline his player option and enter free agency.

According to a report by Sam Amick and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Nuggets’ interest in Klay Thompson is surprising, given their limited financial flexibility due to the high salaries of Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr., and Jamal Murray. However, Caldwell-Pope’s decision to enter free agency clears $15.4 million off the books, potentially allowing the Nuggets to acquire Thompson via a sign-and-trade.

End of an Era for Golden State Warriors #nba #ytshorts #klaythomspon #nbafinals

The Philadelphia 76ers are also interested in Thompson, seeking a third high-caliber talent to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. While Thompson offers similar on-court benefits to Paul George, his injury history and lower market value make him a less attractive option.

The Denver Nuggets are showing interest in Klay Thompson as a potential replacement for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, per @sam_amick & @anthonyVslater

The Philadelphia 76ers are also expected to show interest in Thompson.

“A league source said Philadelphia has interest in… pic.twitter.com/zn9smIDsG5

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 28, 2024

The Thompson sweepstakes are shaping up to be highly competitive, with two NBA title contenders vying for his services. As June 30 approaches, it remains to be seen where Thompson will end up, but one thing is certain – his decision will have significant implications for the NBA landscape.

Mavericks target Klay Thompson in free agency to bolster starting lineup 

In addition to the Nuggets, the Dallas Mavericks are seeking to upgrade their starting lineup after a strong NBA Finals run, and their sights are set on Klay Thompson. With newfound financial flexibility after the Tim Hardaway Jr. trade, the Mavericks are exploring the possibility of signing Thompson in free agency. 

The possibility of Klay Thompson leaving the Golden State Warriors is stronger than ever, and the Dallas Mavericks are the latest team to show interest, per @TheSteinLine

“League sources tell The Stein Line that the Dallas Mavericks, with some newfound financial flexibility… pic.twitter.com/Qw1voeV0xM

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 28, 2024

Thompson, a 4-time NBA champion, is likely to command a 2 or 3-year contract as he enters the latter stages of his career. His skills align perfectly with the Mavericks’ needs, offering a third scoring option and elite shooting alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving

Although he’s not the same player he was in his prime, Thompson still averaged 17.9 PPG and shot 38.7% from 3 this season. The Warriors may be willing to facilitate a sign-and-trade, and the Mavericks have the assets to make a quality trade happen.

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