It appears Klay Thompson’s list of potential destinations is down one team.
The Philadelphia 76ers were one of four teams — including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks — that initially planned to have discussions with Thompson when the NBA free agency negotiating window opened Sunday at 3 p.m. PT, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported, citing sources.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
However, that news came before the 76ers reportedly agreed to sign star forward Paul George to a four-year, $212 million max contract Monday morning, likely eliminating them from the Thompson sweepstakes.
After adding George, agreeing to a reported five-year, $204 million contract extension with star guard Tyrese Maxey, and making a handful of other reported deals, Philadelphia now sits just $13.1 million below the first luxury-tax apron and $23.9 million under the second apron, according to Spotrac.
This means the 76ers likely cannot afford Thompson, who reportedly is seeking a three-year contract that exceeds $50 million. Philadelphia currently has just eight players under contract for the 2024-25 NBA season, which means it still has more moves left to round out its 15-player roster.
Committing $15 million or more annually to Thompson doesn't seem likely.
Golden State Warriors
Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
