Report: Klay Thompson Targeting February or March Return from Torn ACL Injury

Although he tore his ACL in the NBA Finals, Klay Thompson could still make a significant impact during the 2019-20 season.

"The feeling internally is that he will be back some point February or March kind of as the target dates," Nick Friedell said on ESPN (via Dan Feldman of NBC Sports).

Golden State Warriors teammate Andre Iguodala also noted on ESPN's First Take earlier in June that February was Thompson's expected return date (via Sam Amick of The Athletic).

This would give the guard plenty of time to get up to game speed and once again be a difference-maker in the postseason should his team get there.

While Thompson is headed into free agency this summer, he could quickly re-sign with the Warriors if they offer him the max contract of $190 million over five years, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Suddenly, the doomsday scenario for Golden State looks a lot less likely.

Even if Kevin Durant leaves in free agency, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala are good enough to lead the squad to the playoffs and a high seed in the Western Conference. With Thompson potentially at full strength by the postseason, this team could once again be a title favorite.

The Washington State product was a key part of helping Golden State reach the NBA Finals this past season after Durant went down with his calf injury in the second round. Thompson also averaged 26 points per game against the Toronto Raptors. However, the Warriors couldn't win without him in Game 3 or the end of Game 6, and they lost the series 4-2.

Still, other teams could be more aggressive this summer with the knowledge that Thompson could only miss the first few months of next season.