Now is the right time for the Warriors to say goodbye to Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson has won four championships with the Golden State Warriors. He's also one of the greatest perimeter shooters in NBA history. However, two major knee injuries altered the final years of his career. He's still an elite shooter and can put up points in a flash. Yet, his defense has drastically declined.

Thompson is heading for unrestricted free agency. He has spent his entire career with Golden State and could still re-sign with the franchise in the coming weeks. However, given his age and the amount of young talent the Warriors currently have, there's no guarantee Thompson will return to the Bay Area next season. 

"There’s been no productive discussion between the Warriors and Thompson or his representatives," The Athletic's Anthony Slater reported. "Talks are essentially frozen. With free agency now less than 10 days away, Thompson’s exit from the only franchise he has ever known feels closer and more probable than ever before."

Golden State has spent the best part of a decade being the pace-setting team in the NBA. It is a legitimate dynasty that will go down in history. 

Nevertheless, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Thompson are all in the final stages of their careers. Curry is still a top-five guard in the league. Green is still a generational defender with an exceptional basketball IQ. Thompson's decline has seen him become an above-average role player who can show star-level flashes at times.

As such, it makes sense for the Warriors to move on from Thompson. They can't guarantee him the sort of role he's used to. They have too many young talents that need minutes to continue their development. That's why Thompson came off the bench at times last season.

Thompson, 34, could continue playing at a high level for two or three more seasons. However, he would likely prefer to end his career somewhere he can have a legitimate role, which will likely mean he heads elsewhere this summer. 

Golden State is entering a retooling phase. Thompson needs stability if he wants to give his best to an organization. 

Now is the right time for both parties to go in different directions, even if it does mean doing the unthinkable and finally splitting up the "Splash Brothers."