Klay Thompson is planning to trade 5-on-5 for 3-on-3 after his NBA career is over.
The Dallas Mavericks veteran sharpshooter Thompson appeared this week on “The Showtime Podcast with Michael Cooper.” The retired former NBA champion Cooper was teammates with Klay’s father Mychal on the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s.
During the episode, Klay said that he was very open to playing in the BIG3, Ice Cube’s 3-on-3 league, after retiring from the NBA.
“Absolutely,” said Klay about the potential of a move to the BIG3. “Especially with that 4-point ball. That gets me excited. I want the BIG3 to go international. That would be so fun to see the BIG3 go overseas and do a little tour.
“Believe it or not, 3-on-3 basketball is played more around the globe than 5-on-5,” Klay added. “The opportunity for growth in the league is incredible.”
Klay is 35 years old now and is only under contract with the Mavericks for two more seasons. Given Klay’s extensive injury history as well, retirement from the NBA might not be too far off for him.
Meanwhile, the BIG3, which officially launched in 2017, has already attracted a who’s who of former NBA stars (including Joe Johnson, Rashard Lewis, Dwight Howard, Kemba Walker, and others). But Thompson, a five-time NBA All-Star and a four-time NBA champion, would immediately become arguably the most decorated player to ever suit up in the BIG3.
At the very least, maybe Thompson would be able to participate in some of the entertaining scuffles that we have seen in the BIG3 in recent months.
