Klay Thompson and the Warriors did not agree to a contract extension before the start of the 2023-24 NBA season, and the sharpshooter is set to become a free agent this summer if he is not signed during the season.
While Thompson admitted he'd like to re-sign with the only NBA team he's ever played for, he joined 'The Draymond Green Show' to discuss what his priorities are and what's important to him before making a decision. It became clear what would happen.
“I can't believe it's here. When you're in your mid-20s, it's really crazy and you think you're going to play forever,” Thompson said. “If you maintain that level of fitness, you might think it looks easy. But over time, you realize how demanding this job really is. It's very physically demanding. In fact, I was having a really hard time with that at the beginning of the year.'' Because of the unknown, I was thinking about contract situations, playing time, or making a lot of excuses, rather than just appreciating what was in front of me. I might have done it. [Warriors coach] steve [Kerr] It's like four real conversations from the heart that will help you finally come out of your shell. Like you know? We have to have fun this year. I have the right to have fun. We worked hard to win these games and play into June and get fans on board. My first few years, there might have been a few Stephen Curry jerseys in the audience. Now it's like Warriors fans are on the road.
“I've been working on that a little bit this year. It's like my own death as an athlete and I'm like, 'Damn, I might never get as tall as I used to, and I might not be able to slide my legs from side to side like I used to.' I may not be able to do it, but if I can just express my gratitude and keep that perspective as if I were playing ball here, I can still become a better player.'' That year was tough for me. When you get injured, you get used to playing at a certain level, guarding certain players, shooting certain shots. Then you have to adjust them all. That was the hardest part of my career. And it's still difficult for me because I'm used to scoring 25 points a quarter and corralling the best players. Now. I can now pick my positions a little more precisely, and that's okay. I'm finally here.''To understand that I could be a hell of a player, I still can't believe it. The more efficiently you can play. ”
The Warriors guard has experienced ups and downs since returning to the court after suffering two serious injuries in quick succession.
As fierce as his competitors, Thompson admitted he chased accolades and tried to force himself back to his pre-injury self.
But after several conversations with Carr and people close to him, he's starting to understand what actually matters to him.
“As long as I'm having fun and being a good teammate, and you're telling me, 'Lean on these young guys, lean on the fact that you're a veteran, lean on the fact that you accomplished X.' You actually helped me a lot when you said, “If you have money, you don't have to worry about anything. You're playing the game for the love of it.'' Once I realized that, I started playing for the love of the game instead of playing for a contract, All-Star selection, or accolades, and I think I relaxed a little bit. “On the plane, after the game last night, we were playing ping pong. We're having fun. That's the beauty of this game. We got another max contract, another endorsement. I’m not trying.”
“I'm just smelling the roses and appreciating all the hard work it took to get here. I'll have to keep that in mind when it comes to free agency in July. Yes, I “I'd like to re-sign with the Dubs,” he said. “But I have to prioritize my mental health and be clear about what's important to me at this point in my career. I know there's a lot of basketball ahead of me. “I wasn't really thinking about it because if I started thinking about July 1st, then I'm just doing myself a disservice. What's important to me is to just stay in the moment. , it's as simple as staying in the moment and being grateful to be in the NBA.”
For now, Thompson and the Warriors are focused on making the playoffs.
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