SAN FRANCISCO — In Klay Thompson’s final season as a Golden State Warrior, the most tense 24-hour period occurred before the All-Star break, after a disappointing loss to the LA Clippers.
Thompson had been struggling during the Warriors’ five-game win streak until Steve Kerr made a bold decision to bench him in favor of Gui Santos, leading to a viral locker room interview where Thompson expressed his emotions and difficulties with the transition in his career.
Despite the team’s winning streak, Thompson’s struggles persisted, and the Warriors were in a desperate situation to improve their standings in the conference.
Fast forward to the present, and Thompson’s departure to Dallas has left many wondering how it all came to be after 13 years with the Warriors.
Thompson’s relationship with the organization started to deteriorate last season and reached a breaking point in the past few weeks, culminating in his decision to leave.
During a game against the Clippers, Thompson found himself on the bench, frustrated with his reduced role as he watched his teammates battle on the court.
His competitive fire and desire to win have been both his strength and his weakness, leading to moments of frustration and tension.
Despite his struggles, Thompson never lost his passion for the game, as evidenced by his performance against the Jazz, where he scored 35 points in 28 minutes.
Thompson and the Warriors had several conversations about his future with the team, but ultimately, he decided to part ways with the franchise that he had been a part of for so long.
Thompson’s departure was influenced by a variety of factors, including coaching decisions, management’s approach to contract negotiations, and his desire for a fresh start elsewhere.
Although the split was unexpected, both Thompson and the Warriors have expressed gratitude for their time together and the success they achieved.