"Klay has been equally as exhausting behind the scenes" – Warriors insider discusses how Thompson has been over the last few seasons

Joy is an ethos the Golden State Warriors have embraced since their rise to greatness. However, with contract issues plaguing Klay Thompson , maintaining that thrill became difficult last season. As stoic as the five-time All-Star often is, Jason Dumas of KRON4 News revealed that Klay was surly and became uncomfortable to be around with all season, creating a tense atmosphere for the team.

A draining presence

Contract situations are tricky to navigate, and for Klay and the Warriors—the only team he's played for and helped win four NBA titles with—the joy was zapped out of the equation as talks dragged on.

The former Washington State ace was reportedly offered a two-year deal worth $48 million last offseason, but Thompson said no, electing to bet on himself to get a better deal. Yet, the 6-foot-7 wingman struggled this past season, averaging 17.9 points, marking his lowest scoring average since his sophomore year in the league.

His early-season struggles eventually got him demoted to the bench, playing the role of sixth man, a role 'Killa Klay' hadn't played his entire career. This change in his position and his performance had a significant impact on the team's dynamics and performance. All these added up to a tense season for both Thompson and the Dubs.

"Klay has been equally as exhausting behind the scenes. It's not as loud because it's not you stomping on someone's chest," Dumas reported on 95.7 The Game.

The two-time All-NBA team member rarely shows emotion on the floor. However, he became increasingly expressive last season, often showing frustration with himself and his teammates. Dumas added that if people saw that type of exasperation on the bench, one can only imagine what things must be like when the cameras aren't on.

"If he's slamming stuff on the bench and sulking and doing that on the court, how do you think it is in practice? How do you think it is in the locker room? It has been uncomfortable — it has," Dumas continued.

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A fresh start

Throughout this entire contract saga, Klay was reportedly unhappy with the lack of respect and appreciation the Warriors organization has shown him. However, he apparently got what he had been yearning for in contract negotiations with the Dallas Mavericks. Renowned NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said that the Mavs contingent was aggressive in their recruitment of the 34-year-old sniper.

"I think what really energized Klay Thompson, I'm told, was just how aggressive Dallas was. They made it clear to him that he was their number one target in free agency. Klay Thompson had watched the Mavs in the playoffs and saw where he could help and how he'd fit in. They certainly could use some shooting, and the idea of playing with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving made a lot of sense to him," Woj said on NBA Today.

Woj relayed that Klay met with a robust Dallas delegation led by General Manager Nico Harrison and Vice President of Basketball Operations Michael Finley and spent a lot of time talking at the Bottle Inn at Hermosa Beach. After a good night's sleep, Klay had made up his mind: he was joining the Mavericks.

Klay's time with the Warriors will forever be remembered, but he was ready for a new chapter in his career. The Mavericks offered him a chance to be part of a team poised to make another run at the NBA title. Plus, the opportunity to play alongside two of the most exciting players in the game, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, was too good to pass up.

Related: "I don't think they have ever been right since" - Brandon Jennings says Golden State's dynasty ended before Klay Thompson's exit