Clarifying Klay Thompson’s Final Olympics Push and New Role with Team Bahamas

Klay Thompson’s been keeping busy this off-season. Amidst rumors about fallout with the Golden State Warriors and free agency, another update about Thompson has been making headlines. According to sources, Thompson has been making some major career decisions lately.

NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the player has apparently joined in training camp practices with the Bahamian national basketball team this week in Houston. However, Thompson will not be appearing for the upcoming Olympics qualifier as he will be testing free agency waters soon.

Thompson, who made headlines in 2016 by winning an Olympic gold medal with Team USA, has stated that he would really like to represent his father’s, former NBA star Mychal Thompson’s,  native country of the Bahamas. In an interview last year, he said, “That’d be cool, because my dad never got the opportunity. The Bahamas is a place where my story cannot be told without it. It’s dear to my heart, so yeah, that would be sweet.”

But his journey with Team Bahamas is not smooth. As pointed out by Charania, he needs to get released from USA Basketball and get permission from FIBA to play in qualifiers and future tournaments for the Bahamian team.

In the final two games of Team USA’s 2016 Olympic campaign, Thompson combined for 34 points on 48.1 percent shooting, including a 6-of-14 performance from beyond the arc. Thompson’s commitment occurs at a critical juncture in his professional life. The 34-year-old player’s position with the Warriors remains highly uncertain currently.

What does the future hold for Klay Thompson?

Thompson faced difficulties during the recent NBA season, one of which was adjusting to a new role under head coach Steve Kerr—one on the bench. Despite setbacks from previous injuries, the player still managed to average nearly 18 points across 77 games. But his post-season performance was rather underwhelming.

He was recently involved in controversy with his teammate Draymond Green as well, and shortly after, he unfollowed the team’s official Instagram page. In light of these incidents, Thompson’s time with the Warriors might likely be coming to an end. Numerous teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder and Orlando Magic, are allegedly interested in signing Thompson.

According to NBC, the Warriors have yet to speak to Thompson about any possibilities. Considering his injuries and recent performance, the team would be willing to extend his contract, but only at the “right price.”

As he strikes a balance between his international goals and upcoming free agency discussions, Thompson’s off-season is bound to have a significant impact on his career’s trajectory in the NBA as well as his personal legacy. For now, he has his eyes set on the possibility of representing the Bahamas.

But before you go, check out this video of Leonardo Armato, Shaq’s former manager’s take on Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese.