The Golden State Warriors are trying to get their season back on track after winning four out of their last five games. The 22-25 Warriors’ struggles are interlinked with that of Klay Thompson, who’s lost his place in the closing lineup and has been in trade rumors. Klay reacted to the rumors after their win over the 76ers, showing his desire to remain on the Warriors.
“I don’t partake in NBA hiscourse. I think that’s a waste of energy. At the end of the day, if I’m wearing a Dubs uniform or some other uniform, I will be myself.”
Klay then reaffirmed wanting to stay with the Warriors before being asked about his belief in the current group. Klay passionately backed himself, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green, to figure it out and make a run to the postseason.
“I see Steph Curry. I see Draymond. I go home and check our playoff record as a trio, then you add what we have as champions, I believe. I will always believe. It’s a long season, I will always believe we can make a run when we’re all suited up.”
Klay Thompson on the deadline rumors: “I don’t partake in NBA discourse.”
-On his desire to be with the Warriors long term: “That is correct. Good assessment.”
-On his belief in this team: “I see Steph Curry. I see Draymond. I go home and check our playoff record.” pic.twitter.com/tMe2IH5MCy
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 8, 2024
Klay is having a rough time this season, averaging 17.1 points on 41.7% from the field and 37.7% from three. He put up an impressive 18 points in the win over the 76ers.
His inconsistency has hurt Golden State this season, as they transition to relying more on youngsters like Brandin Podziemski, Lester Quinones, and Gui Santos.
Klay is on an expiring $43.2 million contract and has rejected contract extension offers in the offseason. He bet on himself to earn a massive payday but will likely struggle to generate major interest in the summer after his disappointing performances. The Warriors are unlikely to trade him in the next 12 hours but will have to grapple with the decision of bringing back or letting go of the club legend in the summer.
Should The Warriors Re-Sign Klay Thompson?
Klay Thompson is going to have his jersey hanging from the Chase Center rafters when he decides to retire from the game. He’s one of the greatest Warriors in the franchise’s history, but he isn’t a max-level player anymore. He is not living up to the $43 million price tag by his name this season and isn’t making a good case for why the Warriors shouldn’t bring him back for even half the amount.
Klay is one of the greatest comeback stories in the NBA. He saw his prime snatched from him by two career-ending injuries in back-to-back seasons. He tore his ACL in 2019 and then tore his Achilles in 2020, returning midway through the 2021-22 season and playing an integral role in the Warriors championship.
Thompson turns 34 years old today and is an inspiration to many injury-stricken athletes.
The Warriors sing happy birthday to Klay on the plane 😂
[via @KlayThompson IG] pic.twitter.com/z7FA0Fdxdp
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 8, 2024
He has to deal with the emotional pitfalls caused by losing your physical prime with no control over your injuries and trying to find the player you used to be again. Klay may never be the splash brother he once was, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a valuable NBA player anymore.
No matter his form, NBA teams will always have Klay on their defensive schemes. He attracts defensive pressure, can create his own shot, and is still a high-utility shooter. He just isn’t the lights-out accurate shooter he once was.
The Warriors should bring him back. This season will likely hurt his value on the open market and Golden State would rather keep Klay at a discount than let him go. The length of his future contract will be a question, but the Warriors should respect everything Klay has done for the franchise and retain him without stressing the cap sheet as harshly as it is this season.
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