Klay Thompson Gets Brutally Honest About Possible Warriors Exit

The Golden State Warriors’ season officially came to an end on Tuesday night when they lost to the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Play-In Tournament. It was a tough game for Golden State, who got nothing going offensively en route to losing 118-94.

It was an especially tough night for Klay Thompson, who had arguably the worst game of his career. He was 0-for-10 from the field, including 0-for-6 from 3-point range, which was the first time he didn’t make a shot in a game since his rookie season.

In the process, he also made some ugly Warriors history. His 0-for-10 is the most shots missed in a single game without a make in NBA Playoff and Play-In Tournament history, breaking the 0-for-8 that Harrison Barnes had done three times previously.

While that is a far from ideal way to end a season, it could have also marked the end of an era for the Warriors. NBA rumors have swirled that this could have been the last time Thompson suited up for the team.

Set to hit free agency this summer, Thompson will have a very difficult decision to make. While head coach Steve Kerr has said the Warriors need him back, can they afford to pay him what he will be seeking as his production on the court declines?

After a loss like Golden State suffered Tuesday, emotions run high. Thompson was taking it all in after the game, as he got brutally honest when discussing his potential exit from the team during the 2024 NBA offseason.

“That’s life,” Thompson said. “Had so much success here, I’m not going to let whatever future happens make me salty about what I’ve been able to accomplish in a Warriors uniform. I don’t let that seep in at all.”

His free agency is one that many people will be paying close attention to. Several teams around the NBA will have money to spend that could use a player of his caliber. While not the two-way star he was in his prime,  Thompson would still represent a sizable upgrade for several franchises.

38.7 percent from 3-point range may be below the ridiculously high standard that Thompson has set for himself, but that is still a strong percentage. In the right system and role, he can still be a productive player. The question is, will that system and role be with the Warriors or another team in the NBA?