"I have no intention of retiring in 2024" - Klay Thompson resentfully denies report of him seeking retirement from Warriors by next season, says it's 'absurd' to even think that way
After missing two seasons due to injury, Klay Thompson finally returned to the court in 2021-2022. His return was a great success, as he averaged over 20 points per game over the season and helped lead the Golden State Warriors to their fourth championship in eight seasons. With Thompson finally available, it was shocking to hear reports that he might retire. The Warriors shooting guard quickly shot down those rumors, however, stating:
"There was a report out there - I have no intention of retiring in 2024, so you write some dumb s**t like that, just be held accountable cause that's crazy. Just because I didn't play 5 on 5 doesn't mean I'm going to retire, that is absurd. That's all I got to say."
The report was shocking to begin with, as Thompson had previously given no indication that he was considering walking away. After missing two and a half full seasons due to injury, it is hard to imagine that he worked so hard to get back just to walk away.
His contract is set to expire following the 2023-2024 season, however, it has always seemed like a foregone conclusion that he will remain with Golden State. Recent contract extensions have hiked the Warriors' luxury bill in recent weeks, but it is hard to envision them allowing Thompson to leave.
Watch Klay Thompson's comments on his rumored retirement below:
"I have no intention of retiring in 2024. If you write some dumb s*** like that, just be held accountable, cause that's crazy...”
Klay Thompson sets the record straight after reports surface that he has plans to retire by 2024 😳
(via @ArmstrongWinter) https://t.co/DvvnCzJmmi
Klay Thompson on altercation between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole
Klay Thompson's Golden State Warriors teammates Draymond Green and Jordan Poole were involved in a shocking altercation as the NBA preseason neared its conclusion. Appearing on Inside the NBA following the Warriors' season-opening victory, Thompson shared his thoughts on the matter, stating:
"Dray had to get our trust back, and he was very willing to do so. Without Draymond, we're not the Warriors and without JP, we're not the Warriors. JP's our future. Dray's a legend. He's gonna have a statue outside one day, but brothers fight. We spend more time with each other than our families, which is just the reality, and we butt head sometimes, and we'll move past it. We're just set on repeating."
While many suspected that the incident could affect the Warriors' product on the court, that was hardly the case in their season opener. After receiving their 2022-2023 NBA championship rings, the Warriors were able to cruise to a victory. Rather than affecting them negatively, Golden State looked like an even better team than the one that was able to win last season's NBA title.
Watch Klay Thompson share his thoughts on the altercation between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole below:
"Without Draymond we're not the Warriors and without JP we're not the Warriors."
Klay speaks on Draymond and Jordan being an integral part of GSW 💙 https://t.co/h8htMd9W6P