Klay Thompson’s tenure with the Golden State Warriors could be over.
The veteran sharpshooter is heading into unrestricted free agency after a 0-for-10 night against the Sacramento Kings. His inconsistent production throughout the season will be fresh in the front office’s mind as it weighs whether to extend him a new contract.
When speaking to the media following Golden State’s elimination, head coach Steve Kerr confirmed he would like to see Thompson return next season. He believes Thompson still has something to offer at the highest level and can continue competing for a few years.
“We need Klay back,” Kerr said. “I know he had a tough night tonight. What he represents for us, the spacing, we’re not a deep shooting team. We’re a little top-heavy. Klay’s presence means so much to the spacing on the floor, to the flow of the offense. He’s still got good years left. I know I speak for everyone in the organization, we want him back. Obviously, there’s business at hand. That has to be addressed with Klay’s representatives, Mike and Joe. What Klay has meant to this franchise, as good as he still is, we desperately want him back.”
Thompson has been in and out of Golden State’s starting unit this season. His future with the franchise is unclear. However, when he’s at his best and playing with freedom, he is still one of the better perimeter shooters in the NBA.
"I know I speak for everybody in the organization: We want him back."
Kerr leaves no doubt about his desire for Klay to return next season pic.twitter.com/6PdoSjuwVs
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 17, 2024
Golden State’s championship-winning core is aging, and a new contingent of young talent is emerging behind it. It will be interesting to see whether the front office stands by Thompson or allows him to leave to open more minutes for their impressive young talents to continue their development.
