Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2019: 5 best wings available

By Dave Daniels

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors waves to the crowd during the Toronto Raptors Championship Victory Parade on June 17, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Cole Burston/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors waves to the crowd during the Toronto Raptors Championship Victory Parade on June 17, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Cole Burston/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 13: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after hurting his leg against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Six of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 13: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after hurting his leg against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Six of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

3. Klay Thompson

Thompson’s decision will impact the Golden State Warriors for years to come. If he stays, then the Splash Brothers will get to run it back for a few more seasons. Andre Iguodala has even hinted that Thompson could be ready for the 2020 NBA Finals run, but let’s not rush a player before he’s ready.

Thompson would rock the basketball world onto a different axis if he decided to join a franchise his father played for, but every indication is that Klay will stay.

The Warriors are definitely facing a watershed moment. They can either sign Durant and Thompson to long-term deals and basically call forfeit on next season, or they can begin to set themselves up for a future without those players. Their focus appears to be on keeping the core together, and it’s hard to blame them for that. Three championships in five seasons is a pretty stellar resume.

Thompson’s injury history was impeccable until this postseason when he tore his ACL during Game 6 of the NBA Finals. He is a skilled player, and so even if his athleticism takes a slight decline, then he’ll still be able to get by on phenomenal shooting. Any team with cap space in the league would more than happily sign him for a few reasons.

First, he’s a low-key guy who literally never brings drama into the locker room. Secondly, signing him would deprive the Warriors of one of their key assets who makes the whole engine run.

And thirdly, he’s one of the best shooters of all time.