As the clock winded down during the play-in matchup against the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors’ guard Klay Thompson walked towards the bench with a heavy heart. Amid embraces with team trainers and comrades, Thompson took a moment to glance back at the court, perhaps realizing it could have been his final appearance with the Warriors, especially after the disappointing 118-94 loss.
The defeat ushered the Warriors into their offseason earlier than anticipated, sparking speculation about Thompson’s future as he heads into unrestricted free agency.
Thompson remained silent after the game, but earlier during the shootaround, he expressed the ability to focus solely on the season’s end rather than the impending free agency chatter.
His last game of the season was far from ideal, failing to score in a rare off-night, shooting 0-for-10 from the field, including 0-for-6 from beyond the arc, a sight that coach Steve Kerr admitted was difficult to witness.
Despite the challenging end, Thompson had showcased impressive form in the latter part of the regular season, marking a significant rebound from his injury setbacks.
Contract discussions between Thompson and the Warriors stalled at the start of the season and remained inactive throughout, leaving uncertainty lingering. This uncertainty irked Thompson, who hoped for clearer communication from the organization.
Nonetheless, Thompson’s teammate Draymond Green remains optimistic about a potential agreement between the two parties.
Thompson aims for a contract that aligns with the Warriors’ core players, including Stephen Curry and Kerr, fostering a desire to sustain their collective success.
While the premature end to the season brought disappointment and frustration, it also signaled the need for adjustments within the team to contend in a fiercely competitive Western Conference.
As they assess the way forward, Curry stressed that it’s too early to pinpoint specific changes needed for the team’s resurgence.
