Klay Thompson has been a stalwart of the Golden State Warriors throughout his entire NBA tenure. Selected by the team with the No. 11 pick in 2011, he has amassed an impressive resume, including four championships and five All-Star appearances. Despite facing setbacks such as an ACL tear and an Achilles tear, which sidelined him for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, Thompson’s loyalty to the Warriors remains unquestionable.

However, despite his long-standing relationship with the team, negotiations for a contract extension have hit a roadblock, leaving the 34-year-old veteran poised to enter free agency in the upcoming offseason.

In a recent episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” Thompson’s teammate of many years posed a question about his priorities as he enters the latter stage of his career. In response, Thompson reflected on the initial challenges of grappling with his uncertain future, emphasizing his commitment to remaining focused on the present moment. While expressing his desire to continue with the Warriors, Thompson stressed the importance of refraining from dwelling on free agency until the appropriate time for evaluation arises.

The interview was likely conducted on March 28, as indicated by Thompson’s mention of an upcoming game against Charlotte. Despite sitting out against the Hornets due to right knee tendonitis, Thompson has since delivered strong performances, scoring 29 points on 11-for-15 shooting against the Houston Rockets and 32 points on 12-for-23 shooting against the Utah Jazz.

Following the Jazz game, there has been speculation about the Orlando Magic’s interest in signing Thompson in free agency, described by The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami as “one of the worst-kept secrets in the league.” Additionally, Golden State owner Joe Lacob has expressed a desire for the franchise to reduce luxury-tax expenses this summer, potentially impacting Thompson’s future with the team.

Thompson’s season has had its ups and downs, but his recent performances have likely increased his value. However, his podcast appearance provides insight into his mindset towards basketball rather than serving as a clear indication of his free agency intentions. While Thompson expresses a desire to re-sign with the Warriors, he is cautious about making definitive statements, recognizing the importance of leverage in contract negotiations.

For more in-depth NBA coverage, listeners can tune in to the Beyond the Arc podcast featuring John Gonzalez, Bill Reiter, Ashley Nicole Moss, and special guests, where they discuss the league’s biggest storylines daily.