Even though the writing was on the wall for several months now, many people were still surprised about Klay Thompson’s exit from the Golden State Warriors. Among those expressed their shock is rising star Jonathan Kuminga.
Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors has sparked a historic six-team trade in the NBA. The deal will see the five-time All-Star join the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million sign-and-trade contract.
In a complex series of transactions, the Philadelphia 76ers are sending Buddy Hield and his three-year, $21 million contract to the Warriors. The Warriors are also received Kyle Anderson on a three-year, $27 million deal.
The Charlotte Hornets acquired Josh Green, Reggie Jackson, and two second-round picks from the Mavericks. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves will receive a second-round pick, a second-round pick swap, and cash.
The Sixers got a second-round pick in exchange for Hield, while the Denver Nuggets received cash considerations. This unprecedented six-team trade highlights the intricate nature of modern NBA roster management and the willingness of teams to collaborate to facilitate high-profile player movements.
Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga Reveals Reason Why He Was Shocked About Klay Thompson’s Exit
Although it has been weeks after the deal was first announced, there are still varied reactions about Thompson’s departure from the Warriors. Among those individuals was Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga, as seen in an article by Tristi Rodriguez for NBC Sports.
“I was a little shocked. Klay is somebody that took me under his wing when I first got drafted,” Kuminga told ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth during the Warriors’ NBA Summer League matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Saturday in Las Vegas.
“He was one of my role models when I was out there. He always told me how the league functioned and things like that. And obviously, we all know in the league, the next day you can wake up and you happen to be somewhere else. Things just move faster.”
After experiencing a couple of major injuries, Thompson clawed his way back and helped Golden State win their fourth ring in less than a decade. Even if that’s the case, the Splash Brother still regressed last season with averages of 17.9 points on 38 percent shooting from deep, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
After everything has been said and done, Thompson is now a Maverick while Kuminga will play for a Warriors team that’s almost unrecognizable. In a matter of months, fans will get to see how these two teams are going to perform on the court.
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