On Thursday, Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson released a statement on the unconfirmed 2024 retirement rumors that have gone viral on social media.
At the end of the interview, the five-time All-Star set the record straight. “There is also a report – I have no intention of retiring in 2024.”
As for the 2022-23 NBA Championship odds, a few NBA betting sites expect the Warriors to repeat. However, some sportsbooks are showing high odds for the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers.
“If you write dumb stuff like that, be responsible,” Thompson continued. “It’s crazy. Just because I don’t play 5-on-5 doesn’t mean I’m going to retire. That’s nonsense.”
The false report may be related to Thompson’s contract. In an interview with NBA.com’s Mike Medina, the Warriors point guard revealed that he has yet to speak with the front office about an extension.
Of course, the current deal expires at the end of the 2023-24 season. He will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024 if he is not offered a new deal.
But this does not mean retirement. He may sign a new contract in the future. For the 2022-23 season, Thompson will earn $40,600,080.
Warriors guard Klay Thompson calls 2024 retirement reports ‘crazy’.
The 32-year-old explained the situation while talking to Madina. “I haven’t talked to the front office about it,” Thompson said.
“Every day I do what I can to get better. I will be the best player. I know what I can do.”
“I fully expect to get another NBA contract either this summer or next,” Thompson continued. I am completely confident in my abilities.
Last season, the Warriors guard averaged 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 32 starts. Thompson has missed the first half of the 2021–22 season since November 2020 due to an ACL injury.
In the year On April 10, 2022, the guard scored a season-high 41 points in 31 minutes of action in the Walleyes’ 128-107 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. He finished 16 of 29 (55.2%) from the floor and 7 of 14 (50%) from 3-point range.
Moreover, in Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Thompson passed LeBron James for second on the all-time NBA playoff 3-pointers list.
In Game 5, the guard joined LeBron and teammate Stephen Curry as the only players in league history to make at least 100 3-pointers in the NBA Finals.
Now, Klay Thompson is focused on the present. The guard finished with 18 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists in the Warriors’ 123-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
In their next game, the Warriors will face the Denver Nuggets on Friday at 10 pm ET. This match can be watched live on ESPN. Golden State’s Andre Iguodala is listed as out.
