SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) —
A prosperous era of Golden State Warriors basketball is no more. Four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson is heading to the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal. The move effectively breaks up the core three players that guided the Warriors dynasty. Over eight years, the Dubs accomplished a lot with guard Stephen Curry, forward Draymond Green, and Thompson at the helm. However, contract negotiations reached an impasse between the Warriors and the 13-year veteran, leading to his departure.
The deal is a three-team sign and trade between the Warriors, Mavericks, and Hornets. The Warriors received a pair of second-round picks while the Hornets received Mavs role player Josh Green.
After the deal was reported, many Warriors fans expressed their dismay at the outcome of the negotiations and a fan favorite not remaining in blue and gold. Curry took to Instagram to release a statement on Thompson leaving after spending so many years together in the Bay Area.
“Gonna miss you @klaythompson,” the two-time MVP wrote. “Even though we won’t finish the journey together, what we did will never be done again. Couldn’t have imagined a better run with you and @money23green. Changed the whole Bay Area. Changed the way the game is played. Killa Klay at the center of it all. Thank you for everything bro. Go enjoy playing basketball and doing what you do. Splash Bros 4 life my guy.”
Saying Curry, Thompson, and Green changed the basketball culture in the Bay Area is an understatement. The trio took the Warriors from a downtrodden state to one of the most valuable franchises in the world. Their chemistry and style of play created incredible entertainment and productive seasons year by year.
For the Mavericks, it’s a strong addition to a team coming off an NBA Finals berth and in need of upgrades. With guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving at the helm, Thompson should continue to be a catch-and-shoot threat all while helping Dallas spread out its offense more. It’s another layer to an offense that needed another scorer.
The Golden State dynasty will be remembered for years, and Thompson was such a crucial part of the history the Dubs made. Some of his strongest individual accomplishments include holding the record for the most points in a quarter (37) and achieving the all-time mark for most three-pointers in a game (14). As such, the Warriors announced that they “look forward to the day where we can retire his #11 jersey at Chase Center, where he will join a host of Warriors immortals.”
Thompson has finished his story with the Warriors and now heads into the next chapter of his pro career after more than a decade of joyous memories in the Bay Area.
