The impending departure of Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors marks the conclusion of a remarkable period in the Bay Area. This era, which saw the team clinch four NBA championships and create countless indelible memories, is now at a crossroads. As negotiations for a new contract between one-half of the "Splash Brothers" and the Warriors' decision-makers hit a dead end, Klay is reportedly seeking a fresh start with a new team.
According to ESPN's Kendra Andrews, this bitter break-up could have been averted had the Warriors' management acted proactively and negotiated a contract extension early rather than waiting for the 6'7" deadeye shooter to hit free agency. This missed opportunity now looms large in the narrative of Klay's departure.
Left a sour taste in Klay's mouth
Speaking on NBA Today, the well-informed ESPN reporter relayed that Thompson's and the Golden State Warriors' contract stalemate could be traced back to last summer when the Warriors and the five-time All-Star couldn't agree on a contract extension. Kendra reported that the incident planted the seeds of discord between the two parties, ultimately leading to the veteran guard's decision to explore his options with other teams.
"We have to flip back pretty much a whole calendar year to last summer when the Warriors and Klay could have first come to a new agreement, gotten him a new deal, and avoided this entire situation. But it didn't happen, and I'm told the way that last summer played out left a sour taste in Klay's mouth," Kendra told her sister, Malika Andrews, on NBA Today.
The former Washington State star has played his entire 13-year career with the Warriors. This tenure saw him become vital to the team's success, particularly during their championship runs. He had expected to be treated with more respect by the organization. However, after being unable to agree to a new contract, Thompson felt undervalued and underappreciated.
"The thing that has been repeated to me over and over again by so many different people is Klay wants to feel respected, appreciated, and valued. How last summer went down, he didn't feel that way," Kendra added.
The lack of joy in Klay's play was palpable this past season. He averaged 17.9 points, the lowest of his career since he averaged 16.6 points per game in his second year in the league. He also shot 38 percent from beyond the arc—which is only the second time he's shot less than 40 percent from deep in his illustrious career.
Things came to a hilt
The strain between the veteran shooting guard and the Dubs worsened when Klay began the season on a terrible shooting slump, scoring well below his career average. He was moved to the bench for rookie guard Brandin Podziemski.
"He enters the year already a little bit unhappy. He starts the year off playing poorly and eventually gets moved to the bench. His role for the rest of the season is bopping all around," Kendra stated.
"So, he's dealing with all of this in his head. Meanwhile, he isn't getting that respect, appreciation, or reassurance from people high up in the organization, and that really caused a splinter between him and people high up in the organization," Andrews quipped.
At this point, the rift between Klay and the Warriors is beyond repair. The 34-year-old is looking forward to meeting with teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic, and the Philadelphia 76ers. If this is the end of Klay's time with the Warriors, it marks a bittersweet conclusion to a fruitful partnership.
Related: Adrian Wojnarowski says the Lakers are in play for Klay Thompson: "I'm told LeBron James called Klay Thompson right when free agency opened"
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