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Is Klay Thompson Leaving The Warriors?
by Deepika
Updated Jun 15, 2024
Who is Klay Thompson?
Klay Thompson, born on February 8, 1990, is a professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. Known as one of the best three-point shooters ever, he has won four NBA championships and has been selected five times as an NBA All-Star.
Thompson, the son of former NBA player Mychal Thompson, played college basketball at Washington State before being drafted by the Warriors in 2011. Alongside Stephen Curry, he formed the "Splash Brothers," setting multiple records for three-pointers.
In addition to his NBA success, Thompson has won gold medals with the U.S. national team in the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. Despite an ACL injury in 2019 that kept him out for over two years, he returned in 2022 to help the Warriors win another championship.
Is Klay Thompson Leaving The Warriors?
Klay Thompson recently unfollowed the Golden State Warriors on Instagram, leading to speculation about his future with the team. As an unrestricted free agent, he might not return to the Warriors next season. Thompson is expected to attract interest from several teams when free agency begins. He reportedly received a two-year, $48 million contract offer from the Warriors before the 2023-24 season.
A five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion, Thompson is considered one of the best shooters in NBA history. He averaged 17.9 points per game and made 268 three-pointers during the 2023-24 season, the fourth-most in the league. Despite a temporary benching in February, Thompson found his form, averaging 19.4 points in the final 28 games. However, he struggled in the play-in tournament.
Teammates Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, along with head coach Steve Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy, have all expressed hope that Thompson will stay.
Drafted by the Warriors with the 11th pick in 2011, Thompson has averaged 19.6 points on 45.3% shooting, including 41.3% from three-point range. He was once a top perimeter defender before injuries to his left ACL in 2019 and right Achilles tendon in 2020.
Klay Thompson Career With The Golden State Warriors
Klay Thompson entered the NBA in 2011, drafted 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors. His selection hinted at potential changes in the team's lineup, but it wasn't until March 2012 that Monta Ellis was traded. The Warriors' general manager praised Thompson's shooting skills and expected defensive improvement under coach Mark Jackson.
Initially overlooked for the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend Rising Stars Challenge, Thompson responded by boosting his performance in the subsequent games, increasing his points, shooting percentages, rebounds, assists, and steals.
In the 2012-2013 season, Thompson scored a season-high 32 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Coach Mark Jackson lauded Thompson and Stephen Curry as the best shooting duo in NBA history. They set a new record for combined three-pointers with 483 that season. Thompson scored a playoff career-high 34 points against the San Antonio Spurs, though the Warriors lost the series in six games.
Thompson continued to excel, scoring a season-high 38 points in the opening game of the following season and setting another record with Curry for combined three-pointers at 484. He averaged 18.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists that year. Despite his strong performance, the Warriors were eliminated in the first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Is Klay Thompson a Free Agent?
The Golden State Warriors are facing financial challenges due to the NBA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which imposes strict limits on expensive rosters. As a result, the team is rethinking its strategy. With the Warriors over the tax apron, their options for free agency and trades are very limited.
Klay Thompson is entering free agency, which may prompt significant changes for the team. Alongside him, Andrew Wiggins might be put on the trade market as the Warriors look to navigate their financial situation. The team aims to shed salary commitments to reassess their roster and manage their budget more effectively.
How Old is Klay Thompson?
Klay Alexander Thompson was born on February 8, 1990. As of now, he is 34 years old. He plays as a shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. Thompson stands 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) tall and weighs 220 pounds (100 kilograms). Throughout his career, he has averaged 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Klay Thompson's Net Worth
Klay Thompson's net worth is estimated at approximately $150 million, from his successful NBA career as one of the league's premier shooters. His annual salary with the Golden State Warriors is around $37,980,720, part of a lucrative 5-year contract totaling $189,903,600.
In addition to his basketball earnings, Thompson earns substantial income from endorsement deals with major brands like Panini, BodyArmor, Electronic Arts, Gillette, and NERF. These endorsements, along with investments in ventures like Waiakea Water and Bevel, contribute significantly to his wealth. Reports indicate that his brand sponsorships alone bring in about $14 million annually, showcasing his financial success beyond the basketball court.
