"It's something that I never imagined would be a reality" - Curry opens up about losing Klay to the Mavericks

It's been a week since news broke out regarding Klay Thompson 's departure from the Golden State Warriors to move to the Dallas Mavericks, ending a successful 13-year tenure highlighted by four NBA championships. However, it seems like Klay's "Splash Brother," Stephen Curry , has yet to come to terms with his friend and teammate leaving.

In a heartfelt conversation with ESPN's Malika Andrews, Steph expressed his feelings about the surprising news, admitting he never anticipated such a turn of events. Nevertheless, circumstances beyond their influence unfolded, prompting Klay to seek a new basketball destination.

A journey Steph thought would never end

Thompson arrived in Golden State in 2011, joining "The Chef," whom the Warriors drafted in 2009. Power forward Draymond Green joined the team in 2012, while Steve Kerr took over the coaching reins in 2014. When all the pieces finally fit together, the Dubs went on a historic run, making four straight NBA Finals appearances and winning three championships.

After Klay missed two consecutive seasons due to ACL and Achilles injuries, he arduously worked to return to form and helped the Warriors win it all again in 2022.

"We talked about it a lot just in the sense of the journey we've been on—obviously, me since '09, Klay's since 2011, the draft of Draymond, and then coach coming in 2014 and what's happened since," Steph told Malika.

The two-time league MVP added that he would have loved for their "Big 3" to finish their entire careers in the Bay Area. However, not all wishes can come true once the business of the NBA takes over.

"We would have loved to maintain the core and finish out together, but we obviously understand the league and things change," the 10-time All-Star quipped.

Related: Kobe wanted to be drafted by his hometown 76ers: "I was hoping that, but at that time Iverson was such a force"

Never imagined this would happen

Over recent years, numerous events have unfolded in Golden State, exposing vulnerabilities in its once-impermeable armor. However, nobody imagined the beloved "Splash Brothers" would be separated. Curry, for one, didn't think it was possible.

"It's something that 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," the ten-time All-NBA selection stressed. "It does suck losing Klay, and there's no two ways around it. You have to be able to celebrate what we accomplished but then be able to move on."

Having a teammate by your side on the battlefield for over a decade, only to lose them the following season, can be a profoundly unsettling experience. Steph and Kerr haven't quite grasped the reality that awaits them next season, and the former's anecdote indicated as much.

"Coach made a joke—sometimes you can't really find Klay in the offseason, and you don't really hear from him much, then he shows up at training camp ready to go. I kind of have this idea that in October, he'll still show up like, 'Hey guys, what's up?' But I know it's not happening. That'll sink in a little bit once training camp starts," the two-time scoring champ relayed .

As it almost always is in the NBA, dynasties never last forever. The Warriors, who have been the dominant force in the league for the past decade, are facing a significant transition as they head into next season. With Thompson's departure, the team will have to navigate a new landscape without a familiar face on their side.

Related: Draymond breaks his silence on Klay leaving the Warriors: "All great things must come to an end"