The news of Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors has yet to fully resonate with many, including Steph Curry.
The dynamic duo, known for their exceptional on-court chemistry, will no longer share the same team colors, a reality that is hard for fans and teammates alike to accept.
Curry, along with other NBA stars, was present at Team USA basketball’s training camp in Las Vegas, Nevada, as they prepared for the 2024 Paris Olympics. During this time, Curry and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr sat down for an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews.
The conversation turned to Thompson’s departure to the Dallas Mavericks, a topic that brought a reflective and somber tone to Curry’s responses.
The two-time NBA MVP expressed his deep regret about the end of their partnership. Curry acknowledged that while they had hoped to keep the core of the team intact and finish their careers together, the evolving nature of the league made such a scenario difficult. He hinted that Thompson’s departure was necessary for his well-being, implying that Thompson’s passion for the game had waned in recent times.
“We would have loved to maintain the core and finish out together,” Curry admitted. “But we obviously understand the league and things change. Having Klay head on to Dallas, it’s tough. It’s something I never imagined would be a reality, but you want him to be happy. You want him to be able to enjoy the game of basketball.”
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Curry and Thompson’s journey began in the 2011-12 season, marking the start of a formidable partnership that spanned 13 seasons.
Together, they made six NBA Finals appearances and clinched four championships, creating countless unforgettable moments for Warriors fans.
Despite being 34 years old, Thompson remained relatively productive last season, averaging 17.9 points per game as Golden State’s second-leading scorer.
However, his efficiency and defensive prowess have noticeably declined. In the 2023-24 campaign, Thompson shot 43.2% from the field and 38.7% from beyond the arc, a drop from his peak performance.
His defense, once a hallmark of his game, has suffered due to major injuries, making him a liability on that end of the floor.
As Curry prepares for the upcoming season, he will need time to adjust to the sight of Thompson in a Mavericks jersey. The transition will be a significant change for the Warriors and their fans, marking the end of an era defined by one of the most iconic backcourts in NBA history.
