“The End Is Near”: Stephen A. Smith Warns Warriors of Inevitable Crisis After Klay Thompson’s Response to NBA Free Agency

Few teams can rival the success that the Golden State Warriors have achieved over the past decade. They have won four NBA championships in the last 9 seasons. As a result, the Warriors have achieved “dynasty” status, architects being Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. However, the dominance of the Warriors dynasty appears to be waning, as the effects of age gradually impact their veteran stars.

However, no one expected Klay Thompson to endure such a significant slump in form and performance. Klay’s subpar performances this season have further jeopardized his contract extension talks with the Warriors hierarchy. He would become an unrestricted free agent once the current season concludes and talks continue between the Dubs hierarchy and Klay Thompson’s camp. However, though nothing has materialized as of now, the instance has sparked concerns among fans over the ‘splash brothers’ possible split.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith gave his two cents on Klay Thompson’s imminent free agency, and the Warriors fans wouldn’t like what he had to say. During a recent episode of First Take, Smith said, “You know when a guy is speaking in a way like that, it’s like paying homage to each other and what you’ve accomplished. You do that when you feel that the end is near.”

Klay Thompson has been an integral part of the Warriors dynasty. His mind-boggling performances over the years, alongside Stephen Curry, have been a joy to watch, averaging 19.4 and 25.4 respectively in each other’s presence. However, with him enduring one of his worst statistical seasons of his NBA career, the Dubs hierarchy might look to a future without Klay. 

What does the future hold for Klay Thompson and the Warriors?

The Golden State Warriors would face a tough decision this offseason. Their front office must decide on whether to offer Klay Thompson a new deal or let him walk for nothing. Despite enduring a slump, Klay remains the Dubs’ second-highest scorer after Steph. He has averaged 17.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 74 games this season. Furthermore, the Warriors have already locked down Steph and Draymond to long-term deals. So, breaking the “big three” in this fashion seems unfathomable.

However, that could very well be the case. Klay Thompson made an appearance on the Draymond Green Show recently where he reminisced about the highs and lows of the Dubs dynasty. He said, “Me and Steph are really nice guys, probably too nice. And we could never be ourselves or had the freedom we do on the court without you (Draymond Green). So it does hurt, but we’ve been through so many battles. Reached the mountain top. Been down the mountain, and had to climb back up.” 

Klay Thompson’s emotional remarks have further raised concerns about his future with the Dubs. However, his future might after all depend on his postseason performance. Golden State would have no choice but to offer him a contract extension.

Read More: Family Pride Forces Klay Thompson To Take Wild Dig At Stephen Curry & Seth Curry