The 34-year-old Thompson has spent his entire 11-year NBA career in Golden State, and while he has established himself as a potential Hall of Famer during that time, he has struggled thus far in 2023-24.
In 46 games, Thompson is averaging 17.1 points per game, which is his fewest since 2012-13. He is also shooting a career-worst 41.7 percent from the floor and 37.7 percent from beyond the arc.
With Thompson struggling and Stephen Curry getting little in the way of consistent offensive support from his teammates, the Warriors are 11th in the Western Conference at 23-25, and they are in danger of missing the playoffs.
As much as Thompson has struggled this season, it is important to consider the totality of his career. In 762 regular-season games, Thompson boasts averages of 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 three-pointers made and 2.3 assists, while shooting 45.3 percent from the floor and 41.3 percent from long range.
He also has 158 games of playoff experience, and his postseason numbers are right in line with what he has done in the regular season.
Because of that, and his status as one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history, he would make the most sense as an option for a team that is playoff-bound.
Perhaps the best fit would be the Philadelphia 76ers, who are projected to have $76.8 million in practical cap space for next season, per Spotrac.
Philly's core of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey is as good as any in the league when healthy, but the Sixers could use more consistent shooting, and Thompson can provide that when he is on his game.
With the Thompson of past years added alongside Embiid and Maxey, the 76ers would be true championship contenders.
Other teams in the playoff mix projected to have significant practical cap space next season include the Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Thompson could bring winning experience to any of them, but he arguably makes the most sense for Indiana since the Pacers just traded away a three-point specialist in Buddy Hield to the 76ers on Thursday.
Perhaps the most likely result is Thompson returning to the place where he is most comfortable in the form of Golden State.
Although the Warriors appear to be on a downturn and would probably benefit from getting younger, it is difficult to envision a five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champ like Thompson playing elsewhere.
In the event that the Warriors want to ensure that the core of Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green remain part of the organization for life, there's a solid chance they will make the best offer.
