Matt Barnes praises Klay Thompson for adapting various roles on Golden State Warriors: “With Steph out, the scheme has changed”
The Golden State Warriors have been able to put up a fight with the help of Klay Thompson, who recently found his rhythm on the court. His former teammate, Matt Barnes, complimented Thompson for excellently adapting to a different role to help the squad this season.
Barnes, who won his only championship with Thompson and the Warriors, praised the star. Coming off two season-ending injuries, the five-time All-Star has become the unsung hero in Steph Curry's absence due to injury.
"With Steph out, the scheme has changed," Barnes said. "The main focus is Jodan Poole and Klay. So, you add Steph back in that mix, that takes a little more pressure off both these two guys. But Klay has always been great when as far as just knowing his role and fitting in. It was him and Steph to begin with.
"Then, KD (Kevin Durant) jumped on board, Klay took a third seat. So, Klay has always been good in kinda just filling in whatever role they feel like they need. But Klay shooting at the clip he's shooting at right now, bringing Steph back in the mix and orchestrating and figuring out what this younger group is gonna do.
"That's why I haven't given up on this Warriors team. They have too much experience, they have too much talent, they're just figuring out right now."
The Warriors recently had a five-game winning streak, but it came to an end against the Detroit Pistons in a 122-119 loss on Wednesday. In the five-game stretch, Thompson played only four games, but had an excellent impact. The four-time champion averaged 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists and shot 41.7% from 3-point range.
Also read: Shams Charania believes Klay Thompson gets “overlooked” as one of the best shooters ever
Should Klay Thompson leave the Warriors after his contract is over?
The Warriors' dynasty started with Curry and Klay Thompson in the 2014-15 season, when they won their first Larry O'Brien Trophy. Since then, the team has leaned on the two stars to lead them. But that could change as Thompson's contract comes to a conclusion after the 2023-24 season.
In 2019, the sharp-shooting wing player signed a contract extension. Thompson agreed to a five-year $190 million deal, which resulted in one championship for the franchise.
Source: It's a full five-year max for Klay Thompson, not a 4+1. No player option on the fifth year. No 'no trade' clause. Just like the Steph Curry contract a couple summers ago.
Sadly for the Warriors, the dynasty could come to an end next summer as Draymond Green is set to become a free agent. The Warriors haven't offered him an extension, which could mean that they're ready to move on from the defensive big man. The same could happen to Thompson next season.
If Golden State decides on not offering him an extension, there's a huge chance fans could see Thompson with a different team.
Also read: LA Lakers Rumors: NBA executive speculates Klay Thompson switching teams in free agency: “He grew up with his dad as a player, mostly for the Lakers”