Is Klay Thompson the Right Target this Summer?

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Klay Thompson could be a real target for the LA Clippers if the Warriors don’t offer him a max. Is he the right fit?

The LA Clippers may be out of the NBA playoffs, but that hasn’t stopped their names from popping up in nearly every big name free agency discussion. This time, the discussion is centered around Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors who will be entering unrestricted free agency this summer.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, if Klay is not offered a max contract by the Warriors, the Clippers would become the front runner for the shooting guard. If he does become available, does he fit in with what the Clips are trying to put together?

As a primary star, probably not. While Klay is one of the bigger names in free agency, he has not proven that he can be the number one guy. Maxing Klay and only Klay would leave the Clippers with the following lineup:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – PG
• Landry Shamet – SG
• Klay Thompson – SF
• Danilo Gallinari – PF
• Ivica Zubac – C

While that lineup is decent, it doesn’t invoke much fear nor does it seem like a championship caliber team. However, if the team is able to get Kawhi Leonard or Kevin Durant and then sign Thompson, it becomes a much different story.

Grabbing two max contract players means Danilo Gallinari has to be moved, so the starting lineup would look like this:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – PG
• Landry Shamet – SG
• Klay Thompson – SF
• Kevin Durant OR Kawhi Leonard – PF
• Ivica Zubac – C

Even though it’s only switching out Gallo for a superstar, that lineup becomes an instant championship contender. It just goes to show the massive difference between a borderline All-Star and an MVP candidate.

Klay is the perfect second option. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands constantly to score, plays amazing defense and spaces the floor while still having the ability to get scorching hot. His size at 6’7″ allows him to guard both wing positions. Klay will turn 30 next season, but his skill set should age well in theory.

This season hasn’t been Klay’s best and he’s shooting his second lowest percentage from three point land (40.2%, which is still great) and is scoring just 21.5 points per game, down from the previous four seasons.

Thompson would fit in on the court with the Clippers, but his personality may not jive. Thompson has rubbed many Clipper fans the wrong way being seemingly cocky at times, but is widely known for his relaxed demeanor and unselfishness. The unselfishness fits the team, but if he is too relaxed in certain situations, it could rub teammates the wrong way, especially Patrick Beverley if he is brought back. Doc Rivers is known for his ability to deal with players, so he could make any concerns fade away.

The Clippers will have to take a hard look at maxing Thompson if they do land their number one target and Klay does become available. Ultimately though, Thompson will likely receive the max offer from Golden State as they try to hang on to as many pieces of their championship caliber roster as they can.