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Golden State Warriors: Shaun Livingston may retire at the end of the season

By Rebecca Wasik

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 24: Shaun Livingston #34 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on January 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 24: Shaun Livingston #34 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on January 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors are currently in the midst of the first round of the NBA Playoffs in a series with the Los Angeles Clippers. Warriors guard Shaun Livingston is looking for his fourth ring this season, but what will his next season look like?

Shaun Livingston has been with the Golden State Warriors since the 2014-15 season. He had played for 10 different NBA teams before coming to Golden State. Livingston has encountered several injuries that have thrown a wrench in his playing time during his career.

He missed the entire 2007-08 season due to a knee injury. At 33 years old today, Livingston is a veteran presence in the Warriors locker room. Having been in the NBA since 2004 when he was just 19 years old, he knows that being on this team is a blessing and privilege.

His injuries could have derailed his entire NBA career, but he was able to make a name for himself in the game. He is still plagued by pain and realizes that time may be running out for him in the game of basketball.

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Next season, the Warriors may waive Livingston since only $2 million is left guaranteed on his contract. The Warriors luxury tax makes this even more complicated, which is why they are more than likely to buy out of Livingston’s contract.

Livingston has admitted that he has considered the possibility of retiring after this season. Rather than picking things up and starting out with yet another team, Livingston is facing the reality of his age and ailments. He has rooted his young family in the Bay Area and has more than proved himself in the game of basketball.

When he broke his leg and knee cap back in 2007, his career in the NBA easily could have been finished. To come back from an injury that grotesque and go on to win three NBA championships is not only impressive, but inspiring.

In an interview with Bay Area News Group, Livingston talked about how he is simply trying to enjoy this year in Oakland.

"“It’s been up and down with a different team and different lineups. But overall for me personally, I’m just trying to enjoy it. Just enjoy this year regardless of how I play or the circumstances. I haven’t been as healthy as I’d like or as spry as I’d like. But it’s all relative to the sport. So I’m just enjoying the process, really. It’s been ups and downs obviously and frustrating times. I know that’s the beauty and the struggle.”"

Livingston has mentioned that he has an interest in taking up a role in a front office when he retires from playing basketball. Having been in the NBA for 15 seasons, he feels that he can contribute to the behind the scenes aspect of things. Describing himself as “not necessarily a ‘rah-rah’ guy,” Livingston thinks he could make a difference in the front office.

"“I think it’s important because we have a view of what’s going on. Players have been there. They have been in those locker rooms, those huddles and on the court. When you’re in the front office and scouting, you are seeing what’s going with body language and things that aren’t always available to the fan’s eye. More than anything, you have the feel. You have the feel of what’s going on throughout the game because you’ve been in those situations,” Livingston said."

Next. Golden State Warriors Playoffs: How to watch, livestream, odds. dark

Whether Livingston chooses to continue his career playing for yet another team or decides to call it quits, he has made a huge impact for the Warriors. Hopefully, the Dubs can pull off another NBA Finals victory so that he could end his career/time with Golden State on a high note.

Either way, Livingston will continue to make a huge impact in the NBA.

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