Klay Thompson's career is drawing to a close

Klay Thompson has recently been moved to the Golden State Warriors bench. He has struggled in Steve Kerr's starting lineup this season. 

Thompson no longer boasts the burst that made him a fearsome off-ball scorer. Two major injuries have sped up his age-related decline. 

Still, Thompson is expected to re-sign with the Warriors this summer.  It may be a shorter deal than people initially expected, though.

During a recent interview with The Athletic's Sam Amick, Thompson admitted that the end of his career is on the horizon.

"I would love to be a Warrior for life," Thompson said. "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, 34, likely has two or three seasons left in the league. If he continues to decline, that time frame could be shorter. 

This season, he's averaging 17.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He's shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from 3-point range. 

In fairness, he has looked vastly improved as part of Golden State's second unit. He could carve out a reliable role as a bench scorer.

Yet, Thompson's time as a starter is likely over, or at least it won't last much longer. Nevertheless, he will go down in history as one of the best marksmen the NBA has ever seen. 

He won't be a player that stays in the league until their late 30s. Instead, he will likely target one more championship run. His aging teammates may or may not be up to that task. 

After a career that's been enshrined in success, Thompson deserves to bow out on his terms. Another contract will undoubtedly be offered. The duration of that deal will likely tell us everything we need to know about his future in the NBA.