All season long, there have been discussions about whether Klay Thompson will stay with the Golden State Warriors in free agency. The 33-year-old’s contract is set to expire this season, making him an unrestricted free agent. Additionally, Thompson was subject to trade rumors heading into the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline. Despite these rumors, Thompson has made it clear he wants to stay in the same place he has called home since 2011:
I mean, you’ve still got to examine all of your options, but I would love to be a Warrior for life.
For the first time in his career, Thompson has assumed a bench role as the team’s sixth man in recent games. Though it is shocking seeing the four-time NBA champion moved to the bench, Thompson looks at this as a good opportunity for him:
“I’m doing great,” he said. “I think I’m doing much better in not putting my identity in my performance, especially after 11 years of NBA basketball. That alone is an incredible accomplishment. And to be out here and still be playing and having fun and being healthy, that trumps any big shooting night or 50-40-90 milestones. It took me a long time to realize that, but once I finally did, my game has been much better. I’ve been so much more at ease and realizing that, ‘Gosh, this is such a cool opportunity for me.’ Guys would kill to be in my shoes, even with all the injuries and all that. The heights we’ve reached are rare, so it’s been awesome.”
This season, Thompson is averaging 17.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Furthermore, he is shooting 41.8% from the field, including a career-low 37.2% from beyond the arc.
NBA Rumors: Klay Thompson Retiring With the Warriors?
Will Klay Thompson Retire Soon?
Thompson has not been too open about exactly when he will retire. However, he has acknowledged he only has “a few more years to play this game“:
“Whatever happens though, I’ve got a few more years to play this game, so I’m gonna enjoy every second. I realize that I see light at the end of the tunnel, (and) I’m not sure if I want to play until I’m 40, man. That sounds really exhausting.”
As the guard enters free agency this summer, he may sign his final NBA contract.
Klay Thompson acknowledges that his career is approaching its conclusion and he does not intend to play until the age of 40
“I would love to be a Warrior for life. Whatever happens though, I’ve got a few more years to play this game, so I’m gonna enjoy every second. I realize… pic.twitter.com/jRlPK92u2f
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 27, 2024
Where Else Could Klay Thompson Sign in Free Agency?
Thompson has expressed his desire to stay in Golden State, but the Warriors are not the only team interested in the future Hall of Famer. Recently, reports suggested the Orlando Magic will likely pursue Thompson in free agency. Furthermore, other teams that may pursue Thompson include the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers.
The Last Word
While in Golden State, Thompson became one of the league’s best shooters in history. He played a crucial role during the team’s dynasty in the last decade. Staying with the Warriors and ushering in a new era is poetic justice at its best. Head coach Steve Kerr recently signed a two-year extension to stay with the team through 2026. In hopes of one last hoorah, it would not be shocking if Thompson followed the same path.
