LeBron's 162 Million Reasons for Lakers Move: Warriors Tracker
JUNE 29 OPTING OUT, BUT Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is opting out of his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, according to multiple reports. ... but there is a "but'' here.
What's the next step? More LeBron in L.A.
David Liam Kyle | Credit: NBAE via Getty Images
The true purpose of the move: James can re-sign with the Lakers for a maximum of three years and $162 mil, a move that would take him through his age-42 season.
JUNE 28 CHRIS PAUL PLAYS NICE WITH WARRIORS The Golden State Warriors found common ground with Chris Paul. To create more time for trade exploration, Paul agreed to push back the date to guarantee his $30 million contract for the 2024-2025 season.
Originally, Friday was the deadline, locking in the Warriors to Paul's deal. However, Paul played good soldier, permitting the delay to the start of free agency on Sunday.
JUNE 28 KLAY THOMPSON FOLLOWS MAVS PLAYERS ON INSTA Klay Thompson unfollowed the Golden State Warriors on Instagram, and he continues to foreshadow his free agency decision on social media.
Recently, Thompson followed a few members of the Dallas Mavericks on the app, including Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Maxi Kleber, and legend Dirk Nowitzki.
Could this be just more antics from the five-time All-Star? Maybe. But if there is even a chance that this has some indication of his decision, the Warriors need to address it and try to sweeten the deal for Thompson to come back.
JUNE 21 WARRIORS' RIVAL BRINGS BACK KEY PLAYER
While the Golden State Warriors risk losing key players in free agency, the Sacramento Kings just re-signed one of theirs. Sixth man extraordinaire Malik Monk signed a four-year, $78 million deal to return to Sacramento.
Monk averaged 15 points for the 2023-2024 season, finishing second in the Sixth Man of the Year award.
JUNE 21 KLAY THOMPSON DEMANDS MONEY AND RESPECT
According to ESPN, Klay Thompson isn't interested in short-term deals. While the actual contract offers haven't surfaced, the total years were floated recently. The Golden State Warriors offered one-half of the Splash Brothers a two-year deal.
As Brian Windhorst framed it, "This isn't so much about money as it is about respect."
Unfortunately, Thompson's production for the 2023-2024 season no longer matches the $40 million price tag. Offering Thompson a long-term contract isn't ideal, especially considering he suffered consecutive season-ending injuries just a few seasons ago. However, the Warriors have said they want to keep the band together.
Something must give in contract negotiations for Golden State to maintain the championship trio.