Theo Pinson sends message to Klay Thompson before free agency begins

Klay Thompson will enter unrestricted free agency on Sunday, June 30. The veteran sharpshooter has reportedly attracted interest from several NBA teams, with the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets reportedly emerging as suitors in recent days. Thompson has yet to begin negotiating a new contract with the Golden State Warriors.

During a recent episode of the “Tidal League” podcastformer NBA star Theo Pinson shared a message with Thompson. He told the four-time NBA champion to leave the Warriors and find a franchise that still sees the value he brings to a rotation.

“I’m just being honest,” Pinson said. “Time’s up. Klay Thompson, you feel like you still have value. Go. Point blank, period. There’s other teams that are saying, ‘We want you here.’ We need you here. And when you feel that way, you’re going to play better… Go somewhere else and get your money back.”

Thompson’s defensive upside has diminished since his back-to-back knee injuries. However, he remains an elite shooter; both off the catch and through movement. He’s also capable of guarding multiple positions, especially when guarding forwards and bigs.

“Golden State don’t see your value… Leave… There’s other teams they like. ‘F*ck that, Klay, we want you here’… And when you feel that, you’re going to play better.

Theo Pinson talks about Klay Thompson 👀

(via “Au Baha”, @TidalLeague)pic.twitter.com/w7rLaoYQt9

– Clutch Points (@ClutchPoints) June 28, 2024

The Warriors face an increasingly intense battle to keep Thompson on the roster. He would be willing to explore his market. However, he has previously expressed his desire to retire as a one-team player. As such, Thompson’s future is far from clear. However, it seems increasingly likely that he will join a new team next season.