In a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, Klay Thompson, the guard for the Golden State Warriors, shared insights into his evolving perspective on basketball and the trajectory of his career.

“It’s hard to believe I’m at this stage,” Thompson expressed regarding this phase of his career. “Back in my mid-20s, it felt like I had all the time in the world. You think you’ll be playing forever, especially if you maintain peak athleticism. But as time passes, you come to understand the true demands of this profession. It’s incredibly physically taxing.”

Thompson candidly discussed his struggles with coming to terms with his current career stage, admitting, “At the start of this year, I was really grappling with that because of the uncertainty. I found myself fixating on contract situations, playing time, and making excuses instead of simply embracing the present moment. It took several heartfelt conversations with Steve [Kerr] to finally break through that barrier. I realized I needed to enjoy this year and allow myself to have fun.”

Regarding his upcoming free agency, Thompson reflected, “I’m focused on savoring the journey and acknowledging all the hard work that has brought me to this point. However, when it comes to free agency in July, I need to keep my mental health a priority and consider what truly matters to me at this stage of my career. While I do hope to re-sign with the [Warriors], I have to remain grounded and assess my priorities. I know there’s a lot of basketball left to play, so I haven’t dwelled on July 1. If I start fixating on it, I’ll only do myself a disservice. For me, it’s about staying present, as simple as that sounds. Remaining in the moment and appreciating the opportunity to be in the NBA.”