Reality has set in that Klay Thompson is now a member of the Mavericks. That reality will seem distorted each time Thompson and the Mavs face the Warriors during the 2024-25 season.
Thompson, the No. 11 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, spent the first 13 years of his NBA career with Golden State. As a member of the Warriors, Thompson won four championships and firmly established himself as one of the greatest shooters in league history with several record-breaking showings.
Despite the history and bond built with the franchise and its fan base, Thompson elected to move on via free agency in 2024. The split wasn’t necessarily a big surprise but rather a culmination of things that led to Thompson’s departure.
Why did Thompson leave the Warriors? Here is a look back at his decision to move on to join the Mavericks as a free agent.
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Why did Klay Thompson leave the Warriors?
Thompson’s decision to leave the Warriors was the result of a trying final season with the franchise and a halt in contract negotiations . During his introductory press conference, Thompson said that “sometimes change can spur greatness,” and spoke on what new scenery could do for him.