CJ McCollum trash-talking the Warriors didn’t end up going well for him after a recent regular season matchup, as it brought out Klay Thompson who gave McCollum a rude history lesson.
CJ McCollum: “Post up again, n***a. Post up again, n***a.”
After this moment, McCollum trash-talked some other Warriors players, prompting Stephen Curry to smile and walk away. This brought Klay into the fold, who reminded McCollum just how many years he’s had the edge over the former Lehigh guard.
Klay Thompson: “I’ve been busting your a*s for years. For 10 motherf*****g years.”
Klay is 17-7 against McCollum in the regular season, which improves to 12-1 against the Pelicans guard in the playoffs. All playoff matchups took place during McCollum’s time with the Portland Trail Blazers, who only won one game over three playoff matchups against the Warriors during their prime years.
McCollum’s Pelicans’ won that game against the Warriors 114-109 with CJ putting up 28 points. But no regular-season win will make up for the years of playoff heartbreak that he’s suffered because of Golden State.
Klay has averaged 22.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists against CJ in the regular season and 24.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in the playoffs. Meanwhile, CJ has averaged 21.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists against Klay in the regular season and 18.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in the playoffs.
Klay Thompson Facing An Uncertain Future
One of the primary reasons behind Klay’s success against McCollum has been his career-long association with the Warriors. Since being drafted in 2011, Klay has been a valued and loyal member of the Warriors locker room, playing a crucial role in their years of dominance in the NBA.
The prime version of Klay is long gone now, as he’s averaging 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this season. He was unable to agree on a contract extension with the Warriors over the season and heads into free agency to see what the open market values him at.
The Warriors will do anything they can to match whatever Klay is offered by someone else, but their unwillingness to go above and beyond to retain a club legend has been visible.
Klay openly discussed his uncertain contract status, stating his desire to return to Golden State but with no exact commitment.
“Just smelling the roses and appreciating all the work it took to get here. In saying that, when it comes to free agency in July, I just got to keep that in mind. Yes, I want to re-sign with the Dubs, but I also have to prioritize my mental health and lay out what is important to me at this point in my career. I know we have so much basketball ahead that I haven’t given it much thought. Because if I start thinking about July 1, then I’m just doing myself a disservice. For me it’s just about staying present, as simple as that is. Staying present and appreciating being in the NBA.”
Teams like the Orlando Magic are reportedly looking to swoop in and steal Klay away from the Warriors, and a hefty contract offer could make that happen. It’ll be an interesting summer for Klay, who is the closest he’s ever been to possibly leaving the Warriors.
