Klay Thompson is entering his 13th campaign in the NBA at the age of 33. Set to make $43,219,440, this is going to be the last season of his current contract, making this a ‘contract year’. Having undergone a full offseason of workouts and pick-up games, Klay feels ready to have one of the best seasons of his career. On top of his own personal milestones, he has been issued a new challenge by head coach Steve Kerr.
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Klay Thompson signed a five-year, $190 million during the 2019 offseason. This came despite his devastating ACL injury in the 2019 NBA Finals. At the time, the expectation was that he would be unavailable for a single season, after which he would make his comeback. Unfortunately, he would then go on to suffer an Achilles injury right before his return. This would cause him to miss approximately 2.5 seasons of his five-year contract due to injuries.
Steve Kerr continues to show faith in Klay Thompson despite injuries, issues new defensive challenge
While Stephen Curry may have stolen a lot of the glory during Steve Kerr’s reign with the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson has been there for a long time too. And he has been beyond reliable on both ends during this time.
So, despite his injury history and potentially slowing down, Kerr has continued his faith in the star. In fact, with Draymond Green out for a little while due to an ankle injury, the Warriors head coach even hinted at Thompson potentially defending opposing power forwards. Issuing the challenge to Klay, he said the following, as per NBCS.
“If we play that lineup [with Klay Thompson at small forward, instead of shooting guard], which I’m anticipating doing, barring injury, Klay would guard the four-man [power forward]. He’s so physically strong, he’s so used to guarding post-up players after switches. So, we’re thinking Klay can guard as a four this year. We’re going to put him in coverage, where he is having to fit to defend pick-and-roll as a four. That would be a different job for him. We’re planning on doing some of that, and seeing how he does.”
Steve Kerr sees Klay Thompson’s role on defense evolving this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/DNCgOvJR5k
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 3, 2023
Klay Thompson having to guard power forwards, who often range between 6ft 6″ on the lower side, and approximately 7ft on the higher, is not the easiest fit on the planet. That said, his defensive prowess is also a big reason the Warriors have won four rings in the last nine years.
With this likely being the go-to choice while Green is out with injury, Thompson will have to figure things out fast. However, given his track record, it likely wouldn’t be the best choice to bet against him.
Thompson addressed his own contract situation
As mentioned previously, the 2023-24 NBA season will be the last year of Klay Thompson’s current contract. With the offseason still in full swing, the Warriors can still re-sign him. However, it often doesn’t take this long in the first place.
During media day, Thompson was asked to comment on his situation, something that can be seen in the post below.
“I think it’s possible. If not, life is still great. I’m playing basketball in my 13th year in the NBA so I have no complaints for whatever the future has in store. “
Klay Thompson on possibility of getting contract extension done before season starts pic.twitter.com/sxQsFyhcbk
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 2, 2023
Admittedly, it is likely that the Warriors will re-sign him ahead of the upcoming season. After all, this is the player they wouldn’t have won four championships without. In case they can’t reach a contract agreement, fans may just see a motivated Klay Thompson reach prime levels all over again. Either way, it’s a win-win for the fans.
