BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 16: Andre Iguodala #9, Draymond Green #23, Klay Thompson #11 and … [+] Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors pose for a photo after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
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The Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson appear to be parting ways, ending a 13-year relationship that saw the organization select Thompson 11th overall in 2011.
Thompson, widely acknowledged as the second-best shooter in NBA history, helped the Warriors win four championships, and turn the franchise into an outright dynasty alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr.
Of the three Warriors stars, Thompson being the one to leave probably doesn’t come as a major surprise.
Thompson always had a wandering eye, and his relationship with the organization often ran hot and cold, even if he ultimately stayed there for 13 and dedicated himself each and every year.
What’s important to note here is that there isn’t a villain in this story. Some Warriors fans might build Thompson up as one, due to him leaving on his own accord as opposed to via trade, where he wouldn’t have control of the situation.
Some fans might point to the fact that the Warriors stuck with him through two injury-riddled seasons, which he lost to an ACL tear, and a ruptured Achilles.
Others might counter that Thompson worked hard to get back, and stayed committed to the Warriors during those years as well, and while he may have given the Lakers a hard look earlier in his career, he returned and help secure the Warriors more titles.
If anything, there are two villains in this story. Age, and injuries.
Thompson clearly isn’t the same player as he used to be. It’d be unfair to expect him to be after missing two seasons with two of the most difficult basketball injures anyone can sustain.
Add in the fact that Thompson is now 34, and you get a pretty rough cocktail of a hard decline, and a body you simply don’t know will hold up or not.
Golden State couldn’t even justify starting him at one point this season, due to his deteriorating defense and overall movement.
How would a new contract age, particularly one that exceeds $20 million per year?
For Thompson it’s about what he’s meant to the organization, and the career he’s had. It’s understandable he wishes to be shown a certain level of appreciation for what he’s helped achieve.
Neither side is wrong here. The Warriors are right to be cautious, and Thompson is right to point towards his long list of accomplishments.
And as such, now might just be time for both sides to split, preferably amicably, and shake hands. Thompson can get what he wants elsewhere, and the Warriors can pivot to a new player who shall act as Curry’s partner-in-crime.
Yes, there will be a period of adjustment for both sides. Thompson was used to the system in Golden State, and the system was used to him. Both will go through stretches where they miss one another, just as they’ll go through stretches where both sides recognize they made the right call.
There is no winner, or loser, in this. There is just a new day, a new jersey, and a change of the tide.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotter. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
