Klay Thompson is entering restricted free agency. The veteran sharpshooter is reportedly being targeted by several NBA teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic. The Golden State Warriors are set to offer a new deal to their four-time champion in an effort to keep the veteran core together for the rest of their careers.

According to Mark Medina, if Thompson wants to stay with the Warriors for the long run, he may have to accept a smaller role in the rotation. That could imply being a permanent bench contributor so that some of the team’s younger players can start to blossom. If Thompson accepts the lesser role, Medina believes his defense will be crucial.

“I think that he [Thompson] could thrive in a reduced role, with the idea that he can understand that maybe he gets fewer shot attempts,” Medina stated to Give Me Sport. “The thing with Klay is that even during his All-Star years, he was labeled as low maintenance because he didn’t complain about touches or anything. But, more importantly, what made Klay such an efficient player prior to injury was his defensive ability, which is still a work in progress.

Thompson has consistently expressed a wish to remain in the Bay Area. Nonetheless, he may want to continue playing a key role as part of a team’s starting lineup. He will have to make a decision about what is most essential to him in the last stages of his career.

Nonetheless, if Thompson re-signs with the Warriors, his role may shift as some of the team’s younger players develop and earn more minutes in the starting lineup.