SUMMARY
- Klay Thompson has been having rough season averaging some of his worst numbers in over ten years.
- Thompson, who is most likely going to resign with the Warriors, also has the chance to test free agency following this season.
Klay Thompson has had a lot of iconic moments over the years. Ever since he was drafted in 2011, the veteran guard has been one of the most important role players on the Golden State Warriors roster. Thompson has always been a reliable wing scorer and defender of the ball as well. He holds multiple records in terms of scoring and shooting. As a result, Thompson is also regarded as one of the greatest shooters the game has ever seen.
But this season has got to be his worst yet. Putting aside the initial years players utilize to achieve their best form, Thompson has been averaging his worst numbers yet. Since the start of the season, he has averaged 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 42.1% shooting. However, 37.3% from deep is the worst he has ever shot. This has ruined the Warriors’ momentum and affected their overall record.
Klay Thompson could ultimately remain with the Warriors
Klay Thompson and the Warriors have not had the same relationship ever since the start of this season. His inconsistent performances have been a major problem which has now gotten people to wonder if the Warriors want him around. According to Marc Stein, Thompson will most likely retire as a Warrior.
“I am not budging from my belief that Klay Thompson will retire a Warrior. I remain convinced that Thompson will ultimately find common ground with Golden State on a new contract in the offseason that keeps him connected with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green,” said Stein. But Stein also believes that if Thompson were to test free agency after completing the five-year deal he is currently on, the Orlando Magic are strong suitors to acquire him.
KLAY THOMPSON IN THREE QUARTERS 🤑
35 PTS
13/18 FG
7/11 3PT pic.twitter.com/01RxgfzHtS— Overtime (@overtime) February 16, 2024
“The Magic’s available cap space is difficult to project this far out. That figure could rise as high as $45 million but depends on their future plans with free agents-to-be Markelle Fultz and Gary Harris as well as Jonathan Isaac,” Stein added. It will all come down to how things work out during the summer following the 2023-24 season.
Klay Thompson will come off the bench for the foreseeable future
After a faulty performance against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 14, Klay Thompson was officially benched by Steve Kerr. Thompson shot 1-9 from deep and finished with 12 points. Turns out Kerr’s decision to bench Klay and move Brandin Podziemski to the starting lineup will remain for a while.
Steve Kerr is excited to see CP3 & Klay off the bench together:
“We’re gonna get Chris Paul back, Chris Paul and Klay Thompson coming off the bench; that’s pretty good.” pic.twitter.com/vkqrmAEjLU
— CP3REGION (@cp3region) February 22, 2024
“So I really like this idea going forward of that starting five. We’re gonna get Chris Paul back, Chris Paul and Klay Thompson coming off the bench; that’s pretty good,” said Kerr during a recent press conference. After Thompson was benched against the Utah Jazz for the first time, he scored 35 points during that game.