Ignoring Steve Kerr’s Desperation, Charles Barkley Demands a Solution for “Compromised” Klay Thompson

After a 24-point blow-out loss to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in, the Golden State Warriors will be forced to make a lot of decisions in the summer ahead. To save Stephen Curry‘s remaining prime years, the Warriors might be changing their core players. However, the elephant in the room is going to be Klay Thompson, who has been a crucial part of the Warriors dynasty for a decade now. Charles Barkley, who tuned in through Inside the NBA gave Thompson and the Warriors a reality check ahead of the 2025 season, but Steve Kerr has a difference in opinion. 

Thompson did not have a promising season this year. Especially today, he went 0/10 from the field, and 0/6 from the three-point line, which is a huge reason why the Warriors folded to the Kings. After this underwhelming performance, Barkley shared, “They[Warriors] are in serious trouble because number one, Draymond got 3-4 more years. They are going to have to make a hard decision on Klay. Klay’s not gonna get younger…But you see he got compromised because of the ACL and the Achilles. Will you still sign him for 3 or more 4 years?“

On the other hand, Thompson is expecting a max deal from the Warriors, which Barkley feels is not possible. The ACL injury sidelined the 4x champion for two straight years. Ever since he returned, his performance has not been the same, and this year, it almost reached a new low. 

Despite all the troubles, head coach Steve Kerr is still confident about his team. Most importantly, he is demanding the dynasty to return. 

Steve Kerr’s bold claim about Klay Thompson after the playoff elimination 

“We need Klay back. I know he has had a tough night tonight, but what he represents for us, his spacing, you know, we are not a deep shooting team…Klay’s presence means so much to me…He has still got good years left, and I know I speak for everybody in the organization. We want him back.“, said Steve Kerr, despite Thompson going scoreless today. Barkley on the other hand believes Warriors should take a hard decision on the 34-year-old.

Thompson is not old yet. He still has a few more years in the NBA. Anyhow, post-injury Thompson needs to show up more on the court for the Warriors to rely on him. He was in a similar place last season. This year did not turn out great and with the summer coming, fans believe it is time for the veteran shooter to quit the the Warriors. However, Barkley believes Thompson will not be getting any better. So he is suggesting that Thompson should settle for a contract of lesser value, or find himself a new home.