NBA fans were not convinced by Shannon Sharpe’s analysis of Klay Thompson’s split from the Golden State Warriors.
He is leaving the Dubs after 13 seasons, reportedly joining the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year deal worth $50 million.
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Thompson’s departure sparked strong emotions in the NBA world.
Fans and analysts disagreed on whether the Warriors should have met the point guard’s contractual demands, even though he is not the same player as before.
The California native reportedly rejected a two-year extension worth $48 million before the start of the 2023-24 NBA season.
Thompson then put up his worst numbers since the start of his professional career, averaging 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 43.2% from the field and 38.7% from 3.
Sharpe, 56, discussed whether the five-time All-Star was wronged by Golden State in Monday’s first take alongside Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins.
And the NFL Hall of Famer argued that the shooter didn’t have a valid reason to be upset.
“Most companies, most teams [are] like, ‘No, bro. I’m giving you what I believe you can do going forward. I already paid for what you did in the past!’” he said.
Sharpe also pointed out that the Warriors paid Thompson $189.9 million in his last deal, even though he spent two years rehabilitating his Achilles tendon and ACL.
As the conversation went on, the NFL icon used a relationship analogy to help his argument – coming up with an imaginary scenario that he was getting divorced.
“I say, honey. I’ve got $35 million for you now. Take it or leave it,” Sharpe said.
“She says, ‘No, I’m going to take Black, you know what, to court.’
“She goes to court, the judge gives her $5 million.
“How are you going to turn around and say, ‘Oh, Shay did something wrong to her’?”
Some First Take viewers agreed with Shannon’s take on the Thompson-Warriors split.
Shannon Sharpe’s playing career
Shannon Sharpe was a three-time Super Bowl champion before his career in heavy media.
The former tight end played in the NFL from 1990 to 2003 – mainly for the Denver Broncos.
He was part of the 1998 and 1999 Super Bowl championship teams, as well as the 2001 Baltimore Ravens title-winning team.
Sharpe was an eight-time Pro Bowler and voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He finished with 10,060 yards on 815 receptions and 62 touchdowns.
The former NFL star has had an equally strong career on television screens since retiring.
But others came to the Bay Area legend’s defense.
“Shannon needs to stick to football,” posted one on X.
“Shannon Sharpe needs to stop talking about basketball,” added another.
“Klay participated in four championships, he deserves everything,” said a third.
“To say I paid you two years and you sat on the bench is wrong. He was injured,” one wrote.
Thompson reportedly chose the Mavericks over the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.
He is said to be heading to Dallas for a signing deal, which will require the involvement of multiple teams.
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