As the Dubs tread in an unexplored terrain, Mark Jackson, the former Dubs coach urged a hefty pay to retain Klay Thompson. The 4x NBA Champion has reached his free agency after the Golden State Warriors‘ early exit from the season. As the season came to an end, the rumors surrounding Thompson’s break-up with the team took over the Dub Nation. Importantly, a recent rumored statement from China Klay has rattled the fanbase. However, Jackson has offered an interim solution.

Jason Dumas, a reporter covering the Dubs, dropped a scary statement that supposedly reflected Thompson. It read, “Orlando’s offering me 30, you can’t match that? I’m gone.” While the trade rumors already stated the Magic’s interest in roping the sharpshooter, this ultimatum further solidified the break-up.

However, Mark Jackson pitched in advice to Joe Lacob about re-signing the star. He said, “I’m giving him $20-$25 (million per season)… When you look around the league with guys making that kind of money, I still think he has plenty in the tank. Guys that can shoot the basketball the way he shoots the basketball have much more longevity,” during his appearance in Gil’s Arena podcast.

Klay Thompson has played three seasons under Jackson before Steve Kerr took over the Dubs. The former coach didn’t just drop a projected salary, but also backed the star amid the criticism. He even claimed that Thompson was “far from over.” He also advised the Warriors front office to go after the player, if any team attempts to buy him off.

Earlier in December 2023, a report revealed that Thompson had turned down a $48 million two-year extension. The report also stated that the star has developed a strained relationship with Joe Lacob after Bob Myers’ exit. Notably, the team signed a whopping $100 million worth 4-year contract with Draymond Green.

Will Klay Thompson ditch the Dubs?

The star faced numerous humiliations throughout the season. Notably, Kerr pushed him to the bench after a series of poor games. But importantly, he went scoreless in the do-or-die game and soaked in all the boos at the end of it. The visuals from the end of the game even sparked retirement doubts in the NBA world.

While Klay remained off the radar after the game, the Orlando Magic trade rumors picked up pace. Currently, the team has a huge cap space of $19 million, heading into the 2024-25 season. Moreover, they also have 18th and 47th pick in the upcoming draft. With all these resources, the team can easily convince the sharpshooter to join them to form a championship team.

In this season, the Magic reached the playoff with a fairly inexperienced side led by sophomore star Paolo Banchero. And, the team has established itself as a defense-oriented side and Thompson’s inclusion in the side will only further help the catch-and-shoot star to lend his expertise to the side.