Klay Thompson Interested in Philippine League Thanks to Four-Point Line

When you think of Klay Thompson, you immediately think of smooth jumpers, deadly accuracy from beyond the arc, and four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors. But as the sharpshooter approaches the twilight of his career, it’s clear he’s not quite ready to walk away from the game — or from his love of shooting from deep.

Recently, the 34-year-old guard made waves when he revealed his interest in continuing his basketball journey outside the NBA, specifically in leagues that embrace innovative scoring systems like the four-point shot. And it seems the Philippines — one of the most basketball-crazed nations in the world — may have caught his attention thanks to its experimental four-point line.

A Champion Still in Love With Shooting

Klay Thompson has done just about everything an NBA guard could dream of. Four NBA championships, five All-Star selections, and a reputation as one of the greatest shooters in league history. But last season, the veteran’s role began to shift. Averaging 14.0 points per game — his lowest since his rookie season — and coming off the bench more frequently than ever before, Thompson began facing the reality of the next chapter of his basketball life.

Despite that, Thompson remains effective, averaging 3.0 made three-pointers per game on a solid 39.1 percent shooting from deep. The numbers prove that while he may not be the 30-point scorer he once was, he’s still one of the game’s most dangerous perimeter weapons. And for a player who has always found joy in pure shooting, the idea of playing in a league that rewards long-range marksmanship is appealing.

Enter the BIG3 and the Four-Point Revolution

During a conversation with Showtime Lakers legend Michael Cooper, Thompson didn’t hesitate when asked about possibly joining Ice Cube’s professional three-on-three league, the BIG3, after his NBA career.

“Absolutely,” Thompson said with a smile. “Especially with that four-point ball. That gets me excited.”

The BIG3, founded in 2017, has been known for tweaking the traditional game to make it more dynamic and engaging. Among its key innovations is the four-point shot — a scoring opportunity from designated spots 30 feet from the basket. There are three such zones on the court: one straight ahead at midline and two on the wings. To score, a shooter’s foot must touch the circle while attempting the shot.

For a player like Thompson — whose shooting mechanics are among the purest in basketball history — the four-point shot is not just an attraction, it’s a perfect fit. We’ve seen Klay hit logo threes in the NBA. We’ve seen him score 37 points in a quarter and make 14 threes in a game. In a league where shooting from the parking lot actually counts for more, Thompson would instantly be one of its deadliest weapons.

The Philippines and Its Own Four-Point Experiment

While the BIG3 may have introduced the four-point shot to mainstream professional basketball, the concept has found interest in other parts of the world — including Asia. The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), a league with a passionate fanbase and rich history, has experimented with a four-point line of its own.

This aligns perfectly with Thompson’s growing interest in playing basketball overseas one day. The idea of joining a league where shooting from deep is rewarded at an even higher value could tempt a player who has already achieved nearly everything at the NBA level.

Thompson, whose father Mychal Thompson is Bahamian-American, also expressed a broader desire to see professional basketball go global — not just the NBA, but other exciting leagues as well.

“You know, that’d be so fun to see the BIG3 go overseas and do a little tour. I would love that. Or Asia. We would love that,” Thompson said. “Believe it or not, three-on-three basketball is played more around the globe than five-on-five. So the opportunity for growth with the league is incredible.”

The BIG3 Is Already Going Global

Ice Cube’s BIG3 has been quietly building an international presence. Earlier this year, Cube announced that the league will head to Australia in November for a series of showcase games. While it’s not yet the worldwide tour Thompson envisions, it’s a crucial first step toward bringing this exciting style of basketball to fans across the planet.

If the BIG3 eventually hosts games in basketball-loving countries like the Philippines, Japan, or China, players like Thompson would have even more incentive to join — not only for the thrill of the game but also for the chance to connect with global fans who rarely get to see NBA stars up close.

A Perfect Fit: Klay Thompson and the International Game

From a basketball standpoint, Klay Thompson would thrive in a league that rewards shooting more than athleticism or playmaking. In three-on-three basketball, spacing and quick scoring matter more than elaborate offensive sets. For a player like Thompson, whose quick release and off-ball movement are world-class, the transition could be seamless.

Imagine Thompson in a BIG3 or PBA-style game, sprinting off a screen, planting both feet in a 30-foot four-point zone, and letting it fly — a shot that would instantly electrify any arena. Fans who grew up idolizing Thompson for his NBA heroics would have the chance to see him do what he does best in a more intimate, international setting.

Why the Philippines Makes Sense

Few countries embrace basketball like the Philippines. Courts can be found in nearly every town, and the PBA draws passionate crowds year-round. NBA stars who visit the country are greeted with superstar treatment, and a player of Thompson’s caliber would be a massive draw.

Add to that the league’s willingness to innovate — including testing out the four-point line — and suddenly the idea of Klay Thompson playing in Manila doesn’t sound so far-fetched.

It’s not just about competition, either. For veterans like Thompson, playing overseas provides a way to stay connected to the game, inspire young players, and experience basketball culture in new ways. It’s the kind of career extension that keeps the game fun while creating unforgettable moments for fans who might never get the chance to see him live otherwise.

A Legacy Beyond the NBA

When all is said and done, Klay Thompson’s NBA career will go down as one of the most accomplished for a shooting guard of his generation. But what he does next could redefine how stars transition out of the league.

By embracing global opportunities, unique leagues, and new ways to score, Thompson isn’t just extending his career — he’s helping shape the future of basketball entertainment. Whether it’s the BIG3, the PBA, or another innovative league, one thing is clear: Klay Thompson’s love for the game is far from finished.

And if that love takes him to a four-point line in Manila someday, it won’t just be a good move for him — it’ll be a global basketball moment fans will never forget.