Klay Thompson Leaves Golden State, Paul George Joins Sixers, LeBron Re-Signs, and Other Big NBA Free Agency Moves

End of An Era in Golden State 

Klay Thompson has decided to leave Steph Curry and Draymond Green for a new chapter in his basketball career. He has signed with the Dallas Mavericks following a 90-minute dinner at the Bottle Inn Italian restaurant in Hermosa Beach. It is reported that Michael Finley and team president of basketball operations Nico Harrison successfully pitched the move. Thompson mentioned that watching the Mavericks in the Finals made him envision himself fitting in well with the team.

The three-year, $50 million deal is similar to the two-year, $48 million extension he was offered by Golden State last year. Despite conversations with the Warriors before free agency began, they indicated they would not re-sign him. Thompson feels he has a better opportunity to win his fifth title with Luka and the Mavericks.

Draymond Green and Steph Curry shared kind words for their 13-year-long teammate. Steph Curry posted over 30 pictures and a heartfelt message on Instagram reflecting on his fellow splash brother.

“Even though we won’t finish the journey together, what we did will never be done again… Go enjoy playing basketball and doing what you do. Splash Bros 4 life, my guy.”

Steph Curry with a heartfelt tribute on his IG story for his Splash Brother & new Mav Klay Thompson.

“Even though we won’t finish the journey together, what we did will never be done again… Go enjoy playing basketball and doing what you do.

Splash Bros 4 life my guy.” pic.twitter.com/Bq5BQE3luM

— Mavs Film Room 🐴🎥 (@MavsFilmRoom) July 2, 2024

Draymond Green said he dropped a few tears when Thompson officially left.

“I do know the joy that basketball brings him, but it brought sadness and unhappiness for him,” Green shared.

“I do know the joy that basketball brings him, but like it brought sadness and unhappiness for him.”

Dray on wanting the best for Klay.

Via The Draymond Green Show pic.twitter.com/QAKC46SmvR

— chano (@chanodesigns) July 3, 2024

Paul George is a Sixer and the $444 Million was Spent To Win Now

Joel Embiid will turn 31 next NBA season, and with him at his peak, Sixers General Manager Darryl Morey ensured they had enough cap space to offer a third star. Paul George signed a four-year, $212 million max contract after the Clippers informed him and his team they would not re-sign him. All signs pointed to Philadelphia.

The Clippers faced potential second apron penalties if they signed George to a max deal, restricting roster moves like trades and draft pick acquisitions. George will be 38 in the final year of his contract, but the Sixers are in win-now mode. They also re-signed all-star point guard Tyrese Maxey to a five-year, $204 million max deal, solidifying the new Big 3 in Philadelphia. Additionally, they signed Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond. Some fans are calling for the return of Ben Simmons, a capable passer, to fill the remaining gap in the team.

HEAR ME OUT…

PG: Tyrese Maxey
SG: Kelly Oubre Jr
SF: Paul George
PF: BEN SIMMONS
C: Joel Embiid pic.twitter.com/ZIgFcLwHfS

— CBain (@cbain100) July 2, 2024

Donovan Mitchell and LeBron James Resign Max Contracts  

Two of the NBA’s biggest stars have decided to stay with their current teams. Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell signed a three-year, $150.3 million max contract with a player option in 2027-2028. This comes as the Cavs hire Kenny Atkinson, who is very high on Mitchell. There were reports that Mitchell might ask for a trade upon re-signing, but his contributions so far do not seem to support such leverage.

LeBron James also solidified his future by signing a two-year, $104 million deal to return to the Lakers. The contract reportedly includes a no-trade clause and a player option. James was willing to take a $20 million pay cut if the Lakers could acquire one of his preferred players: James Harden, Klay Thompson, or Jonas Valanciunas. However, Harden stayed with the other Los Angeles team, and Valanciunas signed with the Wizards.

Two of the NBA’s biggest dominos also decided to stay where they already resided. Cleveland’s Donavan Mitchell signed a three-year $150.3 million max contract with a player option in 2027-2028. This comes at a time when the Cavs have just hired Kenny  Atkinson as their coach who is very high on Mitchell.

The one concern that was reported was that if Mitchell resigned he would ask for a trade. His contributions have not been strong enough for him to have so much leverage but it is something to keep an eye on.

#LetEmKnow @cavs pic.twitter.com/QU1re4zn0G

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) July 2, 2024

Lebron tryna convince NBA free agents that he still the old Bron and they should join him on the Lakers 😂 pic.twitter.com/I8sYcfmxr1

— Apex Jones (@ApexJones22) July 2, 2024

The NBA offseason is always fun, and free agency right before the summer league and the Olympics has ramped it up even more. Let’s continue to see if there are any surprising moves made by someone like the Miami Heat or the Milwaukee Bucks, who have been relatively quiet so far.