Is Klay Thompson leaving the Warriors to join Lakers? Closer look at Dubs on cusp of breaking legendary dynasty

Klay Thompson looks set to leave the Golden State Warriors this summer. The legendary sharpshooter has spent 13 years with the franchise, but after a couple of down years, he's set to part with them and find a challenge elsewhere.

Shams Charania and Anthony Slater report that Thompson has made up his mind and the 2023-24 NBA season was his final with the Warriors.

"The Golden State Warriors are preparing to lose four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson in free agency, an expected parting of ways between a legendary dynasty and one of its legacy players, league sources told The Athletic."

The insiders report that the player and the team didn't have any communication in the past two weeks. Thompson doesn't want to be a backup plan for the Warriors, who have been linked with Paul George and Jimmy Butler, among other stars, this offseason.

With Thompson set to hit free agency, Charania and Slater have listed the Los Angeles Lakers as one of the main suitors for the veteran shooting guard, along with the LA Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks.

Meanwhile, Brad Turner of the LA Times has reported that Thompson is interested in teaming up with LeBron James on the Lakers if he re-signs.

Thompson's looming exit will see the breakup of Golden State's legendary trio of Klay, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green. Together, the three formed the core of the Warriors' dynasty, which won four NBA championships over an eight-year span.

Amid news of Klay Thompson likely leaving Warriors, Paul George also off the table

Amid the news of Klay Thompson's likely exit surfaced, the Warriors were also taken out of the running for a rumored target. Paul George decided to decline his player option with the LA Clippers and is set to become a free agent this summer.

A trade was the likely way the Warriors could land George, but that was no longer an option when he opted out of his deal. Now that George is set to hit free agency, the 76ers have reportedly emerged as leaders to land him.

PG13 was considered a good option to pair up with Steph Curry in the Bay, but now they'll have to change their plans. And with Klay Thompson likely out of the picture, the Dubs are running out of options to build a championship contender around Curry next season.

A recent report suggests that they could try to make a move for Jimmy Butler if the Miami Heat makes him available, but nothing is official right now.