SAN FRANCISCO During his exit interview on Wednesday, the day after the Warriors’ season ended abruptly and the day after he might have played his final game before hitting free agency this summer, Golden State guard Klay Thompson expressed his desire not to dwell too much on his future.

“Considering it’s April 17th, I don’t think I have to pivot that quickly,” Thompson stated. “Free agency—when is it? First of July? Yes, I have a little time. I have a little time.

Though it’s possible that Thompson hasn’t given much attention to his roster for the upcoming campaign, teammates Draymond Green and Stephen Curry have considered what would happen if Thompson were to miss time.

Editor’s Selections

 

Dubs push for a return; Klay is 0-for-10 with FA looming 17 hours awayAndrews, Kendra

Lowe: Why the Warriors might not be done for good after this sad ending
Zach Lowe, 17h
Curry stated he couldn’t envision not playing with Thompson after their play-in tournament defeat to the Sacramento Kings, while Green stated there isn’t “any scenario where Klay leaves and that’s the best decision for this team and organization.”

Steve Kerr, the coach of the Warriors, only stated that they needed Thompson back.

Regarding the feelings of his coach and teammates, Thompson remarked, “It means a lot.” We have experienced the greatest of highs and lowest of lows. It means a lot because we’ve been through everything together, whether it’s missing the playoffs, winning a championship, or losing one. It inspires gratitude in me.

to experience what I have with them. That was truly historic material.

This concludes Thompson’s season of evolution. One game before the All-Star break, Thompson was demoted to the second unit following a sluggish start to the regular season. He then proceeded to play during the last three months of the season what he considered to be his finest basketball of the year, regaining his starting position.

In response to Steve Kerr, Draymond Green, and Stephen Curry’s endorsement of him, Klay Thompson said, “We’ve been through everything together, so that does mean a lot. Whether it’s losing a championship, winning a championship, or missing the playoffs.” From Getty Images/Ezra Shaw
Despite everything, Thompson claimed that the most important lesson he took away from the season was to not be a “frontrunner”—something he has done in the past—and to embrace both the good and the bad times.

It assisted him in determining what his top priority would be going forward.

“My goal is to continue winning,” Thompson declared. “You kind of don’t want to leave winning seasons behind when you’ve been a part of them. I therefore hope to win once more. A single for the A thumb would be convenient. Other than that, you just need to consider what would truly make you happy in the final years of your job. I still believe it is achievable.”

Through free agency, Thompson’s challenge is to determine whether he can do it outside of Golden State. Thompson would probably stay in the Bay Area as long as the Warriors find ways to express their gratitude for him, whether it be in the form of money or something else, according to a source who spoke with ESPN. Thompson appreciates winning more than receiving money.

As he did with all of the other cornerstones of the Warriors’ historic core, Draymond Green expressed confidence on Tuesday that the team would find the best method to care for Thompson.

Thompson said he wasn’t sure how to respond when asked if he thought the ownership group had made that effort.

“I try my hardest every year. The ownership group has also been excellent. About them, I can only speak well of them,” Thompson remarked. “I’m not sure how to respond to that. Well, it’s their decision, but whatever transpires in the end, it’s all gravy. It’s been a really unique run.

Any new agreement Thompson signs with the Warriors would ideally coincide with the final two years of Curry and Kerr’s contract.

Concerning whether this would be Thompson’s final contract?

“Perhaps,” he replied. ” I don’t know. I mean, I’m not trying to give my profession a shelf life when that time comes. You kind of just have to go with your gut on it.”