Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson. Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

With free agency looming, Klay Thompson enjoying 'every day' with Warriors

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 1/4/23

The past few seasons haven't been easy for Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson. After dealing with several devastating injuries that cost him two seasons of his career, free agency looms. It's clearly on the five-time All-Star's mind as he makes his way back.

Speaking with reporters after erupting for 54 points against the Atlanta Hawks, Thompson reflected on his journey with the Warriors with a look to the not-to-distant future.

"It's going by so fast. We're almost at the halfway point," Thompson said. "After this year, there's only one year left on my deal - so I just told myself, 'I got to enjoy every day in a Warriors uniform.'"

"After this year, there's only one year left on my deal, so I just told myself, like, man, I got to enjoy every day in a Warriors uniform. "

Klay Thompson on being more relaxed now compared to when he first came back after injuries pic.twitter.com/TQLzYUhs5W
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) January 3, 2023

Averaging 20.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists through 32 games, Thompson is looking like himself on the court. But as Thompson mentioned, his time with the Warriors may be coming to an end. The 32-year-old has one season remaining on a five-year, $37.9 million contract signed with the Warriors ahead of the 2019-20 season.

While a lot can happen between now and the end of the 2023-24 season, speculation is beginning to brew about Thompson's future with Golden State.

According to Sean Deveny of Heavy.com, sources indicate that Thompson "could consider" leaving the Warriors to join the Los Angeles Lakers or Portland Trailblazers.

It might be hard to imagine Thompson playing anywhere but Golden State. However, Thompson's comments hint that this could be his last hoorah with the Warriors.

After suffering a torn ACL and ruptured right Achilles in back-to-back seasons, Thompson returned to the Warriors' lineup last January. Thompson admitted to reporters that he's only recently starting to relax and play his game by reminding himself that he's "literally" living a dream.

"I was so eager to be back to those big nights like tonight," Thompson said. "Proving whoever wrong that I'm still great."

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