Klay Thompson goodbye message: New Mavericks guard thanks Warriors fans in heartfelt farewell

Draymond Green said after Klay Thompson's departure from the Warriors that he was still processing the news, and there's no doubt many Golden State fans feel the same way.

Thompson spent 13 seasons with the Warriors, emerging as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history and helping guide the franchise to four championships next to Stephen Curry.

The five-time All-Star looked like he might be a Warrior for life, but it became clear over the past year that his time in the Bay Area might be up. Green revealed this past week that he saw Thompson struggle to enjoy basketball in what was a rocky season all around for Golden State, and there was never a point after the season in which it looked like negotiations toward a return were heating up.

With the decision now made to leave the Bay Area for Dallas, Thompson took some time to share his thoughts on his time with the Warriors. Here's a look at his message to the organization and its fans.

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Klay Thompson goodbye message

Thompson had nothing but gratitude for the Warriors and their fans in a message he posted to Instagram on Friday night, calling it "such an honor" to play for the franchise.

"Oh Bay Area, there are not enough words and images to convey how I really feel about yall," Thompson said. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for some of the best times of my life."

Thompson said he wanted to help "bring as many championships as possible to the region," a goal that almost every player has but few realize. Thompson realized it, as he was a part of four title-winning teams despite the Warriors' decades-long championship drought before he and Curry arrived.

"My family and I would like to thank all of the amazing people who work tirelessly to make the Warriors organization world-class," Thompson continued, adding, "Don't be sad it's over, be happy it happened."

Thompson also took time to acknowledge the friendships "that will last a lifetime" from his time with the Warriors.

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Plenty of Thompson's former teammates commented with their own words of support. Kevin Durant called Thompson "A Bay Area God," while Andre Iguodala, said, "And we ain't done yet!!"

The Warriors posted a tribute video honoring Thompson on Saturday.

As painful as the split might be for Warriors fans, Thompson's exit from the Warriors seems to be a case of a parting of ways that came with no hard feelings. Thompson was ready for a fresh start, and his departure allowed Golden State to get a bit deeper by adding three key role players — Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson — in free agency.

While Curry and the Warriors will be focused on taking down Thompson's Mavericks next season and beyond, there's no doubt Thompson will get a rousing ovation the moment he returns to the Bay Area.