Malik Monk’s $78 Million Kings News Could Threaten Klay Thompson’s Warriors Future – Here’s How

Every Dubs fan will remember the number of dents Malik Monk left on the Warriors fold. The 26-year-old star has come off the bench and taken the game away from the Bay Area side several times. Going by the idiom ‘Old habits die hard’, Monk has once again handed a huge blow to GSW. This time off the court. The star’s latest $78 million contract extension with Sacramento may be the final nail in the coffin for Klay Thompson staying back.

Following the Kings’ disappointing end to the 2023-24 season, Monk entered free agency. With the impact he produced from the bench, many teams lined up, hoping to rope him in the off-season. Notably, the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and OKC Thunder emerged as the potential teams, as per Forbes’ Evan Sidery. However, none of the teams could do anything because the Kings have reportedly extended his contract for the next four years, as per Adrian Wojnarowski.

One might wonder how Sac Town’s contract extension would impact the Warriors. Just like the Orlando Magic eyed Malik Monk as their potential fit, they also eyed Klay Thompson. Now that Monk is out of the way, the Magic might push harder to nab the shooting star. The Orlando side ended their postseason run with a Game 7 loss against the Cavaliers. And, heading into the off-season, the word was already out that the team was looking for shooting options. The team badly required a shooter to create more space for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. And, looking out at the free agency menu, the team eyed Monk, Klay, and D’Lo. Considering Thompson’s alleged rift within the Dubs’ fold, the Warriors may find it difficult to retain the 4x NBA Champion, which in theory is in favor of OM.

Will D’Lo save the Dubs from losing Klay Thompson?

Considering their position and shooting prowess, both Klay and D’Lo hold the same value. So there is a chance for the Warriors to lose either if the Magic intends. However, after the season, Jeff Weltman, the President of Orlando Magic, pointed out the team’s struggle behind the arc. The team finished 15th on the 3-point percentage chart shooting at 36.5%. Going by that criteria, Thompson seemed to be the more viable option, as he stands 6th in the all-time leaderboard with 2481 three-pointers.

At the same time, D’Lo has an advantage over China Klay. The Lakers star can orchestrate plays for the side while Thompson has been majorly considered a catch-and-shoot star. Moreover, Malik Monk also possesses a similar ability where he can orchestrate plays coming off the bench. In fact, Monk and Russell had a similar profile than Russell had with Klay.

So, if the Magic eyes an orchestrator along with shooting ability, Klay would be out of the picture. However, it’s never official until the teams announce then the Dub Nation has to wait with hearts in their mouths. Will Klay Thompson disappoint the fans by exiting the Dubs? Let us know in the comments.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, this video