Klay Thompson wasn’t interested in questions about being an unrestricted free agent after he went scoreless in the Warriors’ season-ending loss to the Kings on Tuesday.
The All-NBA guard, who won four championships with the Warriors, seemed surprised Wednesday when reporters inquired about his future with Golden State — and said it was “ridiculous” that they didn’t want to talk about his season.
“Considering it’s April 17, I don’t think I have to pivot that quickly,” Thompson said, adding he hadn’t thought about his future at that point. “When is free agency? July 1? Yeah, I got some time. I got some time.”
When one reporter asked how he viewed his future with the Warriors as his offseason “feels obviously pretty unknown,” Thompson countered with: “Do y’all want to talk about the season first, or about the future?
“A lot of games played man, that was a pretty big accomplishment. What’s up with y’all not wanting to live in the present? Ridiculous.”
Thompson’s 77 games he played this season were his most since the 2018-19 campaign before he tore an ACL and an Achilles.
“To be honest, I really haven’t given it much thought,” Thompson said when the reporter asked how confident he is that he’ll be back with Golden State next season. “… I still need to process the year we had because it was one filled with ups and downs but ultimately, I personally and our team did everything we could to try and win as many games as we possibly could.”
The Warriors are at a crossroads when it comes to the 34-year-old Thompson, one of the original “Splash Brothers” who led Golden State to four titles alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
All eyes are on Golden State as questions arise about the potential split of their dynastic core.
Curry and Green, along with coach Steve Kerr, praised Thompson after Monday’s loss and emphasized his and the team’s shared loyalty.
“[Klay is] going to make the best decision for him, the team’s got a decision to make and they’ll make the best decision for the team,” Green said. “… I don’t think there’s any scenario where Klay leaves and that’s the best decision for this team and organization,” Green said. “[The organization] has shown nothing but respect, loyalty, love and trust. I’ve got no reason to think, oh man, they’re not going to do right by Klay.”
Kerr explained that the Warriors want Klay to remain with the team.
“We need Klay back…” Kerr said after the Warriors loss. “I know I speak for everybody in the organization. We want him back. Obviously there’s business at hand and that has to be addressed with Klay’s representatives… as good as he still is, we desperately want him back.”
Thompson wants a new deal that aligns with Curry and Green’s, according to ESPN.
Green is under contract with the Warriors until the 2025-26 season, with a player option for 2026-27. Curry’s and Kerr’s deals have them with the team through the 2025-26 season.
“Every year I give my best effort. And the ownership group has been great. I have nothing but positive things to say about them,” Thompson said. “I don’t really know how to answer that. I mean, it’s up to them, but at the end of the day whatever happens, it’s all gravy. It’s been such a freaking special run.”
Thompson was 0-for-10 shooting, including 0-for-6 from 3 at Golden 1 Center, where he potentially played his final game in a Warriors jersey on Tuesday.
The five-time All-Star averaged 17.9 points per game and shot 38.7 percent from 3 in the regular season.
