The Golden State Warriors have faced a surprising challenge with Klay Thompson’s return, revealing a stark contrast in their performance when he is on the court. Despite the formidable duo of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green boasting an impressive record of 33-8 since the 2021-22 season when playing together, the addition of Klay Thompson has resulted in a less stellar 36-34 record.
This shocking statistic suggests that the Warriors’ success is not as consistent when Thompson is part of the lineup. What’s even more surprising is Klay’s own record since his return which stands at 74-71.
Moreover, Klay Thompson’s individual performance has taken a hit this season, with averages of 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Notably, he is enduring a career-worst shooting season, with a field goal percentage of 41.5% and a 3-point shooting percentage of 37.4%. These struggles raise concerns about his impact on the court, especially given the expectations associated with his return.
Since Klay Thompson’s comeback, the Warriors have managed to secure one NBA title and reached the Western Conference Semifinals. However, it’s evident that he hasn’t regained the same level of dominance since his return from a 2-and-a-half-year injury layoff. The current season marks a low point for Thompson, and notably, it’s the final year of his contract.
For the first time in his illustrious career, Klay Thompson finds himself in the midst of trade talks, a prominent departure from the norm. As the Warriors grapple with these challenges, decisions about Thompson’s future with the team become critical, shaping the narrative of his career in its twilight years.
Should Klay Thompson Leave The Warriors?
The looming question of Klay Thompson’s future with the Golden State Warriors raises concerns about whether he should consider leaving the team. It’s evident that the Warriors may not be inclined to offer Thompson a max deal given his current level of play. With the team struggling and holding a 21-25 record, landing at the 12th spot in the competitive Western Conference, the outlook appears challenging.
Unless Thompson stages a remarkable performance in the second half of the season and the Warriors overcome their struggles, securing a substantial deal seems unlikely. The Warriors could potentially offer him a contract similar to Draymond Green’s – a 4-year deal worth $100 million. However, for Klay, this would represent a significant pay cut, particularly with his current salary standing at $43,219,440 for this year alone.
Recent reports indicate that the Warriors proposed a 2-year, $48 million contract to Thompson, but it seems unappealing to him, and he has yet to agree to the terms. This leaves Thompson at a crossroads, contemplating whether to explore opportunities with a new team that might offer a more lucrative contract. However, the challenge extends beyond financial considerations.
The unique camaraderie Thompson shares with long-time teammates Stephen Curry and Draymond Green adds a sentimental layer to the decision. Leaving the Warriors would mean parting ways with the companionship and chemistry built over the years. While a change might bring financial gains, the intangible aspects of his connection with the team weigh heavily in the balance.
As the season unfolds, it remains uncertain whether Thompson will opt to stay with the Warriors or embark on a new chapter in his career. Riding out the storm and assessing the team’s trajectory until the season’s end might offer clarity on the best course of action.
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