Steve Kerr thinks the Warriors 'need' Klay Thompson back but the decision isn't so simple

The Warriors were eliminated playoff contention during the NBA’s play-in tournament and Klay Thompson had an especially rough showing.

Thompson was 0-for-10 from the field during the play-in loss against the Kings and he missed all six of his 3-pointers. He was visibly devastated following the defeat, which was likely amplified the fact that this could feasibly be his last game for Golden State.

After a disappointing campaign, Thompson becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. According to longtime Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, the team needs him back because he still has good years left.

“We need Klay back,” Steve Kerr said. Kerr added “he still has good years left. And I speak for everyone, we want him back.”

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) April 17, 2024

Kerr and the Warriors may want Thompson, who has spent his entire career with the same team, back in Golden State.

But the reality is that after several injuries and a long playing career on the court, the four-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star isn’t the player that he once was.

As TNT’s Charles Barkley plainly explained after the game: “Sports ain’t for old people.”

"He's not gonna get better. He's gonna make less money but he ain't gonna get no better. Older people don't get — sports ain't for old people. They're for young people."

– Charles Barkley paints a grim outlook for Klay Thompson and the Warriors. pic.twitter.com/rGfhuU9vDk

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 17, 2024

This isn’t surprising, though it matters significantly for Golden State’s front office.

When it comes time to negotiate a new contract for Thompson, the Warriors cannot provide the veteran with anywhere close to the money that he earned on his previous deal.

Thompson is completing the final season of a five-year contract worth $189.9 million. Golden State’s payroll is currently the highest in the league, setting a record for the most in NBA history. That is acceptable if you are hanging championship banners but it isn’t going to fly if you’re missing the playoffs.

Steph Curry on Draymond/Klay: “I can never see myself not with those two guys.”

Are big changes needed? “I just want to win.” pic.twitter.com/ugRK6e8eeb

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 17, 2024

After the game, Stephen Curry told reporters that he can’t picture himself playing without his teammates Thompson and Draymond Green.

Curry also added, however, that he just wants to win. He he earned that right and is still capable of contributing at a championship caliber.

If the Warriors extend massive contracts to Thompson (and Green) in the offseason, it will be more challenging to afford to pay a roster that is also able to help Curry win another title.

Even if the organization wants to do right by Thompson and keep this core together, there’s nothing easy about this decision. This could be a fascinating summer in the Bay Area.