The Golden State Warriors have turned their season around in the last 15 games, but that came with a lot of controversial changes in the team. The biggest sacrifice was from Klay Thompson, who has now opted to take a reduced role by coming off the bench. This was quite staggering for many, but Paul Pierce is not seeing this for the first time. There was a time in the NBA before when a championship shooter like Thompson came off the bench. However, it did not end on a promising note. 

After their championship in 2008, the Boston Celtics had a rough time in the postseason with back-to-back exits in the following years. Crucial alterations were made and former Celtics coach Doc Rivers was forced to ask Ray Allen to come off the bench. Pierce shared in a recent interview, “When I saw him[Thompson] go to the bench, it was the year we had Avery Bradley starting to emerge…And we[Celtics] had brought Ray off the bench…Doc was like, ‘Ray, come off the bench’. And that’s the reason Ray left, I’m telling you.”

Pierce hilariously added, “Motherf***** went to Miami and won a chip”, hinting at regret for letting him go. Well, the 2008 champion believes history might repeat itself, but this time with the Warriors.

Thompson has only played two games as a bench player. Although he has not been a huge fan of coming off the bench, he wants what’s best for his team. At least that stands on a positive note for the Warriors at the moment. Also, he scored 35 points on his first game as a sixth man this season. While all these sound promising, it can turn bitter during the summer break too. 

Does the untouched extension and benching hint at Klay Thompson’s possible exit? 

Thompson revealed that his only desire for the next few seasons is to stay with the Warriors. He understands he is not the player he used to be and that helped him to come off the bench. With that said, there have been a lot of instances this season where Thompson has cost the Warriors a win. This is a problem that might affect his contract extension with the San Francisco unit. 

The Warriors have not spoken about Thompson’s extension so far. It is evident that they have planned it for the summer after they see how the season ends for the team. At this point, it is a do-or-die for the 4-time champion. 

Read more: Stephen Curry’s Deepest Desire Shields Klay Thompson As Latest Report Threatens His NBA Future

Do you think Thompson will leave the Bay Area like Paul Pierce is predicting? Share your take in the comments below.