Klay Thompson wants to re-sign with GSW, but is open to leaving to secure his worth: "I have to prioritize my mental health"

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In his recent appearance on the ‘Draymond Green Show,’ Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson admitted that while he desires to remain in the Bay Area, he still has to explore his worth and long-term future in the NBA.

“Just smelling the roses and appreciating all the work it took to get here. In saying that, when it comes to free agency in July, I just got to keep that in mind. Yes, I want to re-sign with the [Warriors], but I also have to prioritize my mental health and lay out what is important to me at this point in my career,” he said.

An uncertain future

With an expiring $43.2 million deal, Klay’s looming free agency situation stands as one of the most highly anticipated events this summer. The All-Star shooter failed to reach an agreement with the Warriors for a new contract, for which it was previously reported that he had turned down a two-year, $48 million extension in the previous offseason.

Upon this rejected offer, Thompson might have considered betting on himself to elevate and prove his value. But this 2023-24 season backfired and has been frustrating for him as Klay saw dipping numbers and a reduced role within the franchise, averaging 17.6 points while shooting 38.4% from the three-point area.

Thompson’s inconsistencies also forced him to come off the bench in 14 of his 74 appearances this season—the first time in his career that he had come off the pine since his 2011-2012 rookie year.

In the wake of his struggles, many continue to monitor the possibility of Klay finally walking away from Golden State to secure the final big payday of his career. But for now, the 34-year-old remains committed to helping the Warriors run it back and win another title.

“I know we have so much basketball ahead that I haven’t given it much thought. Because if I start thinking about July 1, then I’m just doing myself a disservice. For me, it’s just about staying present, as simple as that is. Staying present and appreciating being in the NBA.”

Warriors for life

As their time in the NBA slowly comes to an end, Stephen Curry is keeping hopes high that he, Thompson, and Draymond Green will be able to cap off their glorious careers in Golden State. As the cornerstones of the franchise’s last 10+ years, they led the Dubs to four NBA championships and helped them etch their names as one of the greatest dynasties in basketball.

“A hundred percent,” Curry told ESPN’s Malika Andrews when asked if he thinks their trio will end their careers in the Bay Area. “I think that’s always been a motivator for us, and I think the way that we talk about it is we not only want to end our career as a Warrior, continue to compete at a high level, but you want to end it the right way.”

Steph, Klay, and Dray have been lifelong teammates who spent their entire professional years in Golden State. With Curry locked in for at least two more seasons while Draymond is under contract until 2027, Stephen can only hope that Klay and Golden State will stretch their ties to make their ultimate dream of becoming Warriors for life a reality.