As player careers evolve, some athletes experience a decline in productivity during the later stages. This seems to be the case for a 35-year-old guard currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks, a four-time NBA champion who appears to be struggling in a heavy Luka Doncic-centered roster.
Recent commentary from Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe has sparked conversations about the potential for this veteran to revisit his roots with the Golden State Warriors, the team that originally drafted him. O’Keefe highlighted that another team could potentially leverage Klay Thompson’s skills more effectively than the Mavericks have managed to do so far. He posed a crucial question regarding whether Dallas would hold out for the return of Kyrie Irving from injury or seriously consider trading Thompson in the interim.
Despite Thompson’s current struggles, there’s a consideration that a reunion with the Warriors could be beneficial. However, on his existing contract, a trade back to Golden State appears unlikely at this time. Regardless of what unfolds, Thompson’s legacy in the Warriors franchise is firmly established due to his contributions alongside stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Their collective efforts not only elevated the organization into the upper echelon of the Western Conference but also secured four championships, signaling a dynasty from the 2010s.
Currently, Thompson’s performance has dipped significantly, with averages of just 8.7 points per game, along with 33.3% shooting from the field and 29.4% from three-point range, marking what could become the worst statistical season in his remarkable career. There’s legitimate speculation around whether a return to Golden State might rejuvenate the Washington product’s game, but it’s essential to acknowledge that he appears to be a number of years past his prime.
While Thompson’s future remains uncertain, his legacy and impact on the court should not be overlooked. As the NBA landscape continues to shift, teams and players will need to adapt, but Thompson’s contributions will always be a part of Warriors history.