Being moved to the bench has been a humbling experience for Warriors guard Klay Thompson. In a recent chat with the media, the once-cocky 4x champion got real on the end of his career and revealed that he has no plans to play until he’s 40.
“I mean, you’ve still got to examine all of your options, but I would love to be a Warrior for life,” said Thompson, via Sam Amick of The Athletic. “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.”
This season has been pretty rough for Klay Thompson. After 10 years as the co-pilot to a dynasty, Klay is now playing behind Jonathan Kuminga and rookie Brandin Podziemski on a Warriors team that ranks 10th in the Western Conference. With averages of 17.1 points and 2.2 assists on 41.8% shooting, Thompson’s efficiency has tanked and he’s no longer the defensive juggernaut he used to be.
Before just recently, Thompson was resistant to any change in his role and he was still confident that a turnaround was imminent. Before the season began, he even promised his fans in China that he would win a 5th championship. But now, Klay is having to adjust to a role off the bench for his team and there are serious questions about if he’ll be in a Warriors uniform next season.
Klay Thompson Is The Top Free Agent In 2024
Thompson, 33, is set to be a free agent this summer after his five-year, $190 million contract expires in July. On the surface, both Klay and the Warriors have expressed mutual interest in staying together and keeping the core intact. But amid the team’s ongoing struggles and Thompson’s diminishing role in the rotation, it might suit both parties to part ways for good.
This summer, barring a last-minute agreement with the Warriors, Thompson will hit free agency for the first time in years and he might actually be available to the highest bidder. As a 33-year-old guard coming off some major injuries, it remains to be seen how much Thompson can help a championship team at this stage, but there are several teams who have some level of interest in him.
One such team is the Lakers, who have made it known that they intend to pursue a big-name star this summer. If not Trae Young or Dejounte Murray, why not Klay Thompson? Even in his current form, he’d be the best sniper on the team and his championship pedigree would make him a good fit next to LeBron James.
Another suitor is the Orlando Magic. After a hot start to the season, the Magic proved that they aren’t too far off from being an upper-level playoff team and the addition of a proven veteran Klay Thompson could help them reach their ultimate potential.
Regardless of what’s next for Thompson, he knows he doesn’t have much longer in the league. But for a guy who has already done so much with his career, there is no shame in dropping off now, as a 4x champion and one of the best shooters the basketball world has ever seen.
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