Draymond Green says Klay Thompson did Warriors a huge favor by leaving: "He relieved this organization of the financial hardships"

When the Golden State Warriors open their campaign in the 2024-2025 NBA season, it will be without a player who has meant so much for the franchise: Klay Thompson . After spending his first 13 NBA seasons in the Bay Area, the 6-foot-7 sharpshooter cut ties with the Warriors this offseason, signing with the Dallas Mavericks to join forces with the reigning Western Conference champions.

Although the divorce has been bittersweet, especially for Golden State's core players like Steph Curry and Draymond Green , the latter still lauded Klay for giving the Warriors a parting gift.

Klay gave the Dubs financial flexibility

During its dynastic run in the NBA, the Warriors' owners haven't been shy in spending a lot of money to keep the good times rolling. However, with the collective bargaining agreement's "second apron" implementing punitive restrictions on high-spending teams, Golden State would have been in a tight spot had they given Thompson the numbers he wanted in his new contract.

However, Klay's decision to sign with the Mavs—as jarring and painful as it may be for his teammates and the Warriors' faithful—provides the team with much-needed financial flexibility moving forward.

"What Klay just did—and nobody will give him credit for—is he just relieved this organization of the financial hardships it was starting to face. He still did it for the organization, but nobody will say that. Nobody will say him leaving was because he was unhappy, which, again, he wasn't the happiest last year," Dray said on the "Club 520 Podcast."

It was no secret that the former Washington State star struggled with his shot and new role on the Warriors. After playing below the standard that many have come to expect from the five-time All-Star, he was yanked from the starting lineup in the 50th game of the season and replaced by rookie guard Brandin Podziemski—a development he had difficulty adjusting to. His demotion made many question Thompson's place in the Dubs' hierarchy and his future with the squad.

According to Green, seeing the jovial and nonchalant Klay deal with his NBA mortality last season wasn't fun. With his move to Texas, the "Splash Brother" has a fresh start in a brand-new city he can call home.

"He could care less whether the sky is blue or green on a daily basis, but now every day something was at him. That wasn't fun to watch. So, it was good for him. It was good for everybody," the former Defensive Player of the Year added.

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Golden State's roster moves

With Thompson off the books, the Dubs' front office signed several role players to give the team more balance and depth. They first signed defensive guard De'Anthony Melton, who, when healthy, can provide solid perimeter defense and a reliable three-point shot.

Next, they added "Slo-Mo" Kyle Anderson, a veteran forward who can play multiple positions and is known for his high basketball IQ. Lastly, they signed veteran wing Buddy Hield, who will be relied on to replenish the perimeter pop they lost with Klay's departure.

"He provided cap relief for this organization on his way out. You know what I'm saying? He got some picks sent back to the organization on his way out," Draymond said.

The Warriors will soon begin a new chapter in their franchise, seeking to bounce back from a rough season and establish themselves as a top contender. With these recent signings, the front office hopes to build a well-rounded team to compete against the league's best.

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