Warriors

Klay Thompson Still Wants To Retire With Warriors Despite Getting Benched

February 27, 2024

Klay Thompson told NBA reporter Sam Amick of The Athletic that he still wants to retire with the Golden State Warriors despite getting benched.

Thompson, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, is coming off the bench now for the Warriors.

“Not really,” Thompson said when asked if the sixth-man assignment might change his desire to return. “I mean, you’ve still got to examine all of your options, but I would love to be a Warrior for life. Whatever happens though, I’ve got a few more years to play this game, so I’m gonna enjoy every second. I realize that I see light at the end of the tunnel, (and) I’m not sure if I want to play until I’m 40, man. That sounds really exhausting.”

Thompson is averaging 17.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists this season while shooting 41.8% from the field, 37.2% from beyond the arc and 92.1% from the free-throw line. He has a plus-minus of -42.

Since getting benched by Steve Kerr, Thompson is averaging 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 45.6% overall, 42.1% from 3 and 100.0% from the foul line. The Warriors are 3-1 with Thompson coming off the bench.

“I’m doing great,” Thompson said. “I think I’m doing much better in not putting my identity in my performance, especially after 11 years of NBA basketball. That alone is an incredible accomplishment. And to be out here and still be playing and having fun and being healthy, that trumps any big shooting night or 50-40-90 milestones.

“It took me a long time to realize that, but once I finally did, my game has been much better. I’ve been so much more at ease and realizing that, ‘Gosh, this is such a cool opportunity for me.’ Guys would kill to be in my shoes, even with all the injuries and all that. The heights we’ve reached are rare, so it’s been awesome.”

The Warriors have won four championships in the Thompson-Stephen Curry–Draymond Green era. It will be fascinating to see if Golden State’s front office re-signs Thompson this summer.