Klay Thompson, a five-time NBA All-Star and key member of the Golden State Warriors' dynasty, is approaching free agency with uncertainty about his next move. Thompson had a disappointing performance in the Warriors' elimination loss to the Sacramento Kings on April 17, scoring zero points after missing all 10 of his shots.
During exit interviews on April 18, Thompson spoke about his desire to keep winning and considered his options for next season. He was surrounded by supporters in the organization, including head coach Steve Kerr and former general manager Bob Myers.
Myers weighed in on Thompson's impending decision, emphasizing the connection between Warriors core players Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. According to Myers, Thompson values appreciation and being paid appropriately. If another team offers more than the Warriors do, things might change.
Thompson had a fan wearing his No. 11 jersey in the upper deck of Sacramento's Golden 1 Center during the loss to the Kings. This moment meant a great deal to him and served as a reminder of his history with the team, including playing state championships and playoff games against them.
The Warriors finished this season with two more wins than in the previous year but fell from the No. 6 seed to the No. 10 before being eliminated by Sacramento in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Despite an aging core, there is still value in Thompson's elite shooting abilities.
Thompson shook off a rough start to his campaign and became one of the league's most consistent shooters during the second half of the regular season. This reminder underscores Thompson's importance in a league that never has enough elite-level shooting.
The Warriors face questions about how long their storied group can stay together, with Thompson being just one piece of a complex offseason puzzle.
