Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors is coming to terms with the possibility of adopting a reduced role within the team to secure his continued presence. At 34, Thompson’s current season statistics reflect a decline, prompting him to consider a shift in his role akin to Ray Allen’s tenure with the Miami Heat. Thompson, who declined a contract extension last offseason, acknowledges the need to adapt his game at 35 after recovering from
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ACL and Achilles injuries. Expressing a willingness to emulate the longevity of players like Reggie Miller and Ray Allen, Thompson sees himself as a valuable contributor, though perhaps not at the peak performances of his earlier years. The Warriors star envisions a role similar to Allen, who played a crucial part in the Heat’s 2013 NBA Finals victory despite adjusting to a diminished scoring output. Thompson’s challenging season, marked by occasional benching, may lead him to accept a more modest contract this summer, providing the Warriors with financial flexibility to reinforce the roster alongside Stephen Curry.
