Klay Thompson has been a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors throughout his entire NBA journey. Drafted by the team with the No. 11 pick in 2011, he has achieved remarkable success, securing four championships and earning five All-Star selections. Despite enduring setbacks such as an ACL tear and an Achilles tear, sidelining him for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, Thompson’s loyalty to the Warriors remains unwavering.
However, as negotiations for a contract extension with the team have stalled, the 34-year-old veteran is poised to enter free agency in the upcoming offseason.
In a recent episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” Thompson engaged in a candid discussion about his priorities as he enters the latter phase of his career. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged grappling with the uncertainty surrounding his future but emphasized the importance of staying grounded in the present moment. While expressing his desire to continue with the Warriors, Thompson emphasized the need to avoid dwelling on free agency until the appropriate time, focusing instead on enjoying the game and his teammates.
Throughout the season, Thompson has had several heartfelt conversations with coach Steve Kerr, confronting the challenges of adjusting his game post-injuries. Despite acknowledging the adjustments needed, Thompson maintains confidence in his abilities and finds joy in the camaraderie with his teammates, cherishing moments both on and off the court.
Looking ahead to free agency in July, Thompson remains committed to prioritizing his mental well-being and evaluating his career aspirations. However, he acknowledges the importance of staying present and focused on the tasks at hand, refusing to let thoughts of the future overshadow his current experiences in the NBA.
The interview likely took place on March 28, as indicated by Thompson’s mention of an upcoming game against Charlotte. However, Thompson ultimately sat out the game against the Hornets due to right knee tendonitis. Nevertheless, he has since delivered impressive performances, scoring 29 points on 11-for-15 shooting against the Houston Rockets and 32 points on 12-for-23 shooting against the Utah Jazz. Following the Jazz game, there has been speculation about the Orlando Magic’s interest in signing Thompson in free agency, with The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami describing it as “one of the worst-kept secrets in the league.”
Additionally, Kawakami noted that Golden State owner Joe Lacob has expressed the franchise’s desire to reduce luxury-tax expenses this summer. Given the Magic’s need for scoring, Thompson’s elite shooting skills would undoubtedly be a valuable asset for the team.