Earlier this week, Klay Thompson agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that will see him move from the Golden State Warriors, where he spent an impressive 13 seasons, to the Dallas Mavericks.
For many fans, it will be quite an adjustment to see Thompson don a jersey other than the Golden State one, given his integral role in the Warriors’ dynasty.
Thompson’s tenure with the Warriors was marked by significant achievements. He won four championships and was named to five All-Star teams.
As one half of the iconic “Splash Brothers” duo alongside Stephen Curry, Thompson, along with Curry, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala, formed the core of a team that secured four NBA titles.
Draymond Green, known for his outspoken nature, shared his thoughts on Thompson’s departure. Green revealed that he didn’t try to influence Thompson’s decision, respecting his teammate’s autonomy. “I was headed to my daughter’s recital. So I wasn’t able to go as in-depth to the conversation as maybe I would have… When Klay told me, I was just able to listen. And it wasn’t like a, ‘Yo we should finish like this,’ or a, ‘You should rethink this,’ it was just like a, ‘Wow, yeah, alright, like, congrats, bro, I’m happy for you,'” Green said on his podcast on Tuesday night.
Stephen Curry, Thompson’s longtime backcourt partner, also respected Thompson’s decision to move on. According to reports, Thompson requested that Curry not use his influence with the franchise to persuade him to stay in Golden State.
“I didn’t even attempt to want to talk him out of leaving,” Green added. “To see him struggle the way he did last year… I’d hope the care that you would have for that person would go far beyond what you may feel is best for you or what you want to see.”
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The possibility of Thompson leaving the Warriors had become more plausible over the past few seasons.
His multiple injury recoveries, a noticeable decline in production, and eventually being relegated to the bench at times during the 2023-24 season contributed to this eventuality.
Now, Thompson will join the Dallas Mavericks, a team that clinched the Western Conference championship last year. His contract with the Mavericks is set for three years, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.
This move signals a significant shift not only for Thompson but also for the Warriors, who must now navigate the post-Thompson era.
The Mavericks, on the other hand, are gaining a seasoned veteran with championship pedigree, hoping that his experience and sharpshooting will bolster their quest for an NBA title. Fans from both teams will watch closely to see how this new phase unfolds for one of the league’s most beloved players.
