Klay Thompson is no longer a member of the Golden State Warriors and head coach Steve Kerr is saddened by that. Kerr, who is also the head coach for Team USA, addressed Thompson's departure to the Dallas Mavericks during a press conference following the first day of training camp for the 2024 Olympics.
"I just want to say thank you to Klay Thompson for 13 incredible years, ten of which I was there for," Kerr said. "What he did for the team, the organization, for the Bay Area, for me personally -- the relationship that we had, all the incredible success but more importantly just going through it all together, it has been so meaningful and so amazing.
"We are going to miss Klay," Kerr continued. "We wish him the best. These things rarely go like you want, where you get to draw it up and execute it and everybody goes out together. We were hoping that could happen, but it didn't. We wish Klay well, but we love him, and we'll miss him. And Klay, if you're watching, thank you for everything."
Kerr also went on to add that Thompson will have a statue outside Chase Center someday.
"Biggest thing is the relationships endure," Kerr stated. "The memories endure. Klay's gonna have a statue outside Chase someday, he'll be beloved by his teammates and coaches and our fans forever. And yeah, it's never easy. But it's all gonna, I think, it'll all work out for everyone."
Thompson spent 13 seasons with the Warriors after they selected him with the 11th pick of the 2011 NBA Draft. He averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game in that time, and won four championships.
Kerr made it clear he wanted Thompson back on the Warriors , but it wasn't to be. The 34-year-old has signed a three-year, $50 million deal with the Mavericks and it will be quite interesting to see how much of an impact he makes on his new team. As for the Warriors, they have brought in Buddy Hield as Thompson's replacement.
Klay Thompson Was Reportedly Miserable In His Last Season With The Warriors
Thompson cut a frustrated figure at various points last season and it appears he just wasn't happy with the situation he found himself in. According to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne, Klay was miserable in his final season with the Warriors.
"Over the past year, Thompson has been relatively easy to read. He was "miserable," as one person close to him said. Miserable with how negotiations with the team had gone on a new contract," wrote Shelburne. "Miserable at the thought he wasn't respected or valued by the franchise in the way his older Splash Brother, Stephen Curry, 36, and Draymond Green, 34, were. Miserable at his declining role on the team. And yes, miserable at the way his game and play had declined, as well."
Thompson and Draymond Green were also reportedly upset when the Warriors extended Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins. While Green eventually would get a four-year, $100 million deal, the team wasn't able to agree on terms with his long-time co-star.
According to Shelburne, the Warriors rejected Thompson's final proposal of a two-year, $40 million contract. The five-time All-Star averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season and the team didn't think it was worth it to bring him back, even at that rate.
Related: Klay Thompson Pens Emotional Farewell To Golden State Warriors On Instagram
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