Klay Thompson Wants Warriors Stay But Admits Things Can Change

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson reiterated his desire to stay on with the team but did acknowledge things could change in 2019.

Thompson will be entering his eighth season this month as the Warriors will look to make it four championships in the last five years as well as becoming the first team since the Los Angeles Lakers from 2000-2002 to achieve a threepeat.

However, the upcoming season could also be Thompson's last with the Warriors as he can become a free agent next summer.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to the Los Angeles Lakers while his father Mychal, a two-time championship winning Laker, has made no secret of his desire for his son to move to his old team.

Despite the possibility of taking on a discounted deal though, Thompson has repeatedly stated his goal of staying a Warrior for life and did so again when asked if he would like to have his "own team" instead of being a member of the supporting cast.

"I don't know what having your own team really means," Klay told Shams Charania in a recent sitdown interview. "I know what it means to be the leader, the captain, the stat-stuffer and all that."

"But I don't think this is Steph's team, I don't think this is KD's team, I don't think this is Draymond's team, my team, Andre, Coach Kerr. I think this is our team because without each one of us, we lose a huge part of this team. So I think we all understand that."

Thompson added because of the success him and the core group of Warriors players have had over the years, it would be hard to leave the Bay Area. However, he also cannot predict what could happen in nine months' time.

"I've been to the mountaintop," he added. "I know what it feels like to win and win with some of your best friends. And that's why it would be hard for me to leave just because I've put so much blood, sweat and tears in this building and with this franchise. I've had my ups and downs but I couldn't imagine myself being somewhere else."

"But you know, it's easy for me to say that now, but with time things change. It's hard for me to envision what goes on in nine months. I'm just focused on this off night I got tonight and this off day I got tomorrow. I'm gonna enjoy that to the fullest."

Thompson averaged 20 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the 73 regular season games he played last season. He recently revealed last month he aims to increase his production when it comes to rebounds which is part of his goal of being the best player he can be.

"I just really want to be the best team we can be because I think that means so much more than being the best player at your position," Thompson said when asked if he considered himself the best two-way guard in the league. "If you can be a part of a team that wins championships, you'll be a legend in your respective city and be able to have an impact beyond basketball, and that's what my goal is."