Did Klay Thompson Just End Warriors Exit Rumors? 5x NBA All-Star’s Paris Olympics Pitch Could Be a Hidden Message

Even with the off-season just around the corner, activities related to that have started early this year. The latest one is probably bad news for the Warriors fans. Yes! Golden State Warriors second-in-command, Klay Thompson‘s contract with the franchise is possibly coming to an end soon. There’s a massive chance that he might not be continuing the same. The same was confirmed when he rejected a $48 million extension offered to him back in April. More recently, Thompson unfollowed the official social accounts of the Warriors, fuelling speculation that he will bid adieu to the franchise that has been his home for 13 years. But then, amidst all this, he shares a picture of him on his Instagram stories, making us all question – what in the world is going on now?

His IG stories give us all an indication that a potential extension of his contract might as well happen soon. For all of his 17 million followers, he posted a picture of him holding the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy while his father, Mychal Thompson, stood beside him while holding the national flag of the Bahamas for the camera to see. The image was taken in the aftermath of the Warriors securing the championship title back in 2022, after defeating the Boston Celtics by 4-2. Thompson added a caption alongside the post that read “Sweet Bells (bell emoji) (flag emoji)”.

Does this really mean what we’re all thinking of? Is Klay Thompson using old memories to highlight that he is not leaving the Warriors? Unfortunately, the meaning behind the image can be interpreted in many ways. For one, it can simply be a tribute on this momentous occasion, i.e. Father’s Day. The shooting guard has often paid tribute to Thompson Sr. via social media, often making use of Facebook. Therefore, it would make sense for him to remember his father and the latter’s national pride on this special day.

Another theory that can be speculated is because of the Bahama flag in the picture. Mychal Thompson used the same in 2022 to highlight his national pride since he was born and brought up during his childhood days on the Caribbean Island. However, since Klay Thompson added the flag in his caption as well, one can speculate whether this is a sign that he is looking to represent the Bahamas in the Olympics. The player has taken his talents to the international stage on three occasions, each of them through Team USA. However, he has been absent from the same after securing a gold medal during the 2016 Olympics. Thompson was not even selected as part of the Team USA roster that will head to Paris to compete in the 2024 Olympics. However, back in October 2023, he had stated that he wouldn’t mind pulling off a first and representing his father’s country of origin during this prestigious international tournament.

“That’d be cool,” said the Warriors player about possibly representing the Bahamas, “because my dad never got the opportunity.”

Since Klay Thompson is an American Citizen, he will have to pass through quite a few barriers if he wishes to represent the Bahamas. He will be requiring a passport from the Caribbean country, has to reportedly be ‘released by the Americans’, and has to receive permission from the International Basketball Federation. With just five more weeks remaining until the Olympics, the odds of completing all the formalities before time seem a bit low.

Draymond Green finds Klay Thompson unfollowing the Warriors “F**king Hilarious”

Having played together for over 12 years now, one would guess that Golden State Warriors power forward Draymond Green would be well acquainted with Klay Thompson’s thought process. However, the 34-year-old was equally taken aback when his teammate decided to unfollow his franchise’s official social media accounts. And of all the people, Green isn’t one to comment on such fiascos. He shed light on the same during the recent episode of his long-running podcast, and while fans go haywire in the process, just like us, he finds it rather funny.

“I think it’s f**king hilarious,” said the 4x NBA All-Star. “Just so ya’ll know, I laughed. I logged on here, and Jackson is like, ‘What about Klay?’ I’m like, ‘What?’ Like what happened? He’s like ‘he unfollowed the Warriors.’ I think that’s comical. I know you all want somebody’s feelings to be hurt or something. It ain’t that. It ain’t ever going to be that. That’s hilarious.”

Is Draymond Green’s remark a sign that Klay Thompson may not be seriously considering leaving the Warriors? Or is he trying to make the situation into something else?

Well, to be honest, of all the people on the roster, Green has the most experience with such situations. Last year in the off-season, he too was a free agent, right after the whole ‘punching Jordan Poole’ incident. Later, he went into some tense negotiations with the franchise, and almost out of the Warriors. And after getting out of the playoffs in the second round, rumor mills suggested that the franchise wouldn’t want to pay him what he would ask for. But, Warriors came through and took care of Green with another 4-year deal.

So, you never know what goes down the Warriors train. But what we do know is you should definitely check out this video to gain insights on Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, directly from Leonard Armato, the Shaq brand maker, in EssentiallySports’ exclusive conversation with him.