In the realm of NBA superheroes, we often forget that they too are mortal beings. They reach astonishing heights in the annals of basketball history, but eventually, time catches up with everyone. This season, Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors find themselves at that very crossroads. Despite winning a championship just a year ago, Thompson’s vulnerability has become apparent.

It’s painful to witness the man who once scored 37 points in a single quarter strugglе to find his shooting rhythm throughout the entire season. Enduring criticism of being past his prime, Klay has now transitioned to a bench role, raising questions about his impending free agency. In a recent conversation, the four-time NBA champion delivered a cryptic message to his teammate Draymond Green, potentially straining his bond with Stephen Curry.

“When it comes to free agency in July… Yes, I want to re-sign with the Warriors, but I also need to prioritize my mentаl well-being and consider what’s important to me at this stage of my career,” expressed Thompson. He further added, “I know there’s still a lot of basketball left to play, so it hasn’t occupied much of my thoughts.”

While Thompson acknowledges the elephant in the room regarding his future, his focus remаins on the present. However, his tone suggests that he has a specific number in mind. If the Warriors don’t meet his expectations, it could lead to unfortunate circumstances for both Klay and the fans. But for now, he is performing better than earlier in the season, particularly evident in their recent victory against the Jazz.

Carrying the load in Stephen Curry’s absence, Thompson delivered an impressive performance, scoring 32 points as the Golden State Warriors surged past the short-handed Utah Jazz, securing a 118-110 triumph on Sunday night. Coach Steve Kerr lauded his remarkable performance. With the win, the Warriors secured at least a spot in the play-in tournament, thanks to Houston’s loss to Dallas in overtime.

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Kerr emphasizes the importance of maintaining their momentum, stating, “We need to continue striving for victories.” He remаins optimistic about the team’s chances in the playoffs, even amidst potential obstacles. Thompson wasted no time asserting himself on offense, taking on a significant scoring role on a night when Stephen Curry rested and Chris Paul took his place in the starting lineup. This victory marked the Warriors’ seventh win in eight games.