Klay Thompson’s departure from the Warriors this summer marks the end of an era for the franchise. They lost their key piece. In a recent interview with People, Stephen Curry admitted it will be “tough” to play without his longtime teammate and Splash Brother. Though the NBA community anticipated this move, it has left players and fans alike heartbroken, ending one of the most iconic partnerships in basketball history.
On the Knuckleheads Podcast, former NBA player Tayshaun Prince weighed in on Klay‘s exit, suggesting the Warriors made an offer that didn’t meet Thompson’s expectations. It sounds like they offered him something. He was disappointed in that offer. So he shut it down. Just wanted to focus on basketball and just hoop and all rumbling about how they can’t come to the contract, whatever the case may be.”
According to reports from NBC Sports, Thompson was seeking a three-year contract, but the Warriors were only willing to offer a two-year, $48 million deal. This difference in expectations may have contributed to Thompson’s decision to leave, ultimately signing with the Dallas Mavericks.
Prince speculated that Klay’s decision likely involved discussions with key figures from the Warriors dynasty—Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr—before he made his final choice. “I’m sure Klay, Steph, Dray, coach Kerr, together since that thing was over, probably had that conversation. …they probably heard Klay, probably heard them, and then made a decision whatever was best.”
Ultimately, Thompson chose to join the Mavericks, but for fans, the end of this chapter in Warriors history is far from a fairy tale.
USA Today via Reuters
Prince also expressed his disappointment, saying, “But you hate to see that happen, right? … You want to see those dudes retire in the Golden State. …But Steph and Klay have done up for the game, you know, Dray. And to see those guys to break up man is super unfortunate for the league!”
The emotional impact of Thompson’s departure is felt across the league, but perhaps most deeply by Stephen Curry, who has been open about how he plans to move forward without his longtime teammate.
Stephen Curry comments on how he’s going to advance without Klay Thompson next season
Losing Klay Thompson was already an unfortunate feat for the Warriors. And Stephen Curry accepted that it’s not going to be easy. In an interview with People, Curry reflected on his career and the Warriors’ championship window, saying, “You can’t play this game for life, but the fact that being with the Warriors for this long and championship window that we’ve had, you want to keep that open for as long as possible.”
At 36, Curry knows his career is nearing its twilight, and retirement rumors may surface in the next couple of years. However, Curry remains focused on enjoying the game, explaining, “I just love that challenge of stepping into a training camp and being able to create your own success — that gets me going.” After being part of one of the most iconic teams in NBA history, Curry now seems eager to define his legacy as an individual.
As Curry adjusts to life without his Splash Brother, all eyes will be on the November 12 NBA Cup matchup between the Warriors and Mavericks. It promises to be an emotional showdown, as Thompson faces his former dynasty for the first time.
Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.
