Warriors’ Klay Thompson: I Haven’t Given Future Much Thought Amid 2024 NBA FA Rumors

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIApril 17, 2024

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson told reporters that he hasn’t given his future much thought amid his impending unrestricted free agency.

Anthony Slater of The Athletic relayed remarks from Thompson, who was asked about his future during an end-of-season press conference with reporters on Wednesday.

Anthony Slater @anthonyVslaterHere are Klay Thompson’s free agency related answers today

“What’s up with y’all not wanting to live in the present? Ridiculous.”

“Well, considering it’s April 17th, I don’t have to pivot that quickly. When’s free agency? July 1st? I got some time.” pic.twitter.com/G7FFlefdnL

Thompson, a five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion, has played his entire 13-year career with the Warriors. His team’s season ended on Tuesday with a 118-94 loss to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament.

Thompson has been an invaluable member of the Warriors’ dynasty, and he’ll always be a franchise legend. A spot awaits him in the Basketball Hall of Fame someday as well.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made it abundantly clear to reporters Tuesday that the team wants Thompson back.

Anthony Slater @anthonyVslaterSteve Kerr: “We need Klay back…He still has good years left…We desperately want him back.”

Full soundbite pic.twitter.com/0GRnjZGoyI

Warriors superstar Stephen Curry also said that he could never see himself without Thompson or Draymond Green.

Anthony Slater @anthonyVslaterSteph Curry on Draymond/Klay: “I can never see myself not with those two guys.”

Are big changes needed? “I just want to win.” pic.twitter.com/ugRK6e8eeb

This past season was a tougher one for Thompson, though. He shot under 40 percent from three (38.7%) for just the second time in his career. His 17.9 points per game were also his lowest mark since 2012-13. He also finished his season by going scoreless (0-of-10 from the field) versus the Kings.

But he played better in the back half of his year, scoring 19.4 points on 46.1 percent shooting in his final 30 regular-season games.

Ultimately, Thompson should land a lucrative contract somewhere. He is turning 35 in February and entering his 14th NBA season, but at his best, he’s still a valuable sharpshooter.

The question is whether that’s with Golden State or another team. The Warriors have a lot of things to figure out after failing to make the playoffs. They have two seasons left at minimum with Curry, who is under contract through 2026, and there’s a need to maximize the team’s championship chances with him aboard.

Based on Kerr’s comments, the team clearly wants Thompson to stick around, but the question is whether the guard sticks with the Warriors or heads elsewhere.

As Thompson noted, though, it’s April 17, and free agency doesn’t begin until July 1, so he has plenty of time to figure it out himself.