Klay Thompson’s split with the Golden State Warriors hit many people hard, most especially Dubs fans, of course. For over a decade, Thompson suited up for the Warriors and had incredible success others could only dream of.
But the end of Thompson’s run with Golden State has come to a seemingly bitter end, with the sharpshooter and the team just ultimately not seeing each other in the eye for a possible extension.
Steve Kerr shares thoughts on Klay Thompon’s Golden State Warrior exit
Injuries are largely to blame as well for the breakup, as Thompson’s health issues in the past diminished his capabilities on the court, which Warriors head coach Steve Kerr opened about recently on Willard & Dibs (h/t 95.7 The Game).
“From 2014-19, pre-injury, Klay was unflappable. He rarely required much maintenance from me as a coach. He was just so happy playing and playing at a high level. I would check in with him and he was always fine and loving life. That changed after the two injuries.”
“He’s struggled to try to get himself back to that level. Even though I think he played really well at times for us over the last few years and obviously helped us win a championship…He was still a really high-level player. In his own mind and I think in the minds of everyone watching, he wasn’t the same guy as he was prior to the injuries. And Klay really struggled with that.”
Kerr also said that the Warriors always tried to keep an open line of communication for Thompson, but in the end, the future Hall of Famer and four-time NBA champion felt that a change in scenery would be best for him, leading to his signing with the Dallas Mavericks.
“The stuff that went on organizationally, honestly I think that stuff is all a by product of the frustration with the injuries. We were always in great stead with Klay in terms of our relationship and communicating how we felt about him. In the end, he really needed this career change and I think it’s going to be good for him.”
Regardless of how things ended for Thompson and the Warriors, his legacy in Golden State is secured. He’s undeniably one of the best players ever to suit up in a Warriors uniform and helped turn the franchise into the huge basketball phenomenon that it has become.
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