The Golden State Warriors have faced a surprising challenge with Klay Thompson’s return, revealing a stark contrast in their performance when he is on the court. Despite the formidable duo of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green boasting an impressive record of 33-8 since the 2021-22 season when playing together, the addition of Klay Thompson has resulted in a less stellar 36-34 record.

This shocking statistic suggests that the Warriors’ success is not as consistent when Thompson is part of the lineup. What’s even more surprising is Klay’s own record since his return which stands at 74-71.

Moreover, Klay Thompson’s individual performance has taken a hit this season, with averages of 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Notably, he is enduring a career-worst shooting season, with a field goal percentage of 41.5% and a 3-point shooting percentage of 37.4%. These struggles raise concerns about his impact on the court, especially given the expectations associated with his return.

Since Klay Thompson’s comeback, the Warriors have managed to secure one NBA title and reached the Western Conference Semifinals. However, it’s evident that he hasn’t regained the same level of dominance since his return from a 2-and-a-half-year injury layoff. The current season marks a low point for Thompson, and notably, it’s the final year of his contract.

For the first time in his illustrious career, Klay Thompson finds himself in the midst of trade talks, a prominent departure from the norm. As the Warriors grapple with these challenges, decisions about Thompson’s future with the team become critical, shaping the narrative of his career in its twilight years.