Klay Thompson told fans “don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened” as he confirmed he is leaving the Golden State Warriors.
The 34-year-old point guard, who is expected to join the Dallas Mavericks, was selected by the Warriors with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 draft.
Thompson helped the San Francisco team reach the NBA Finals six times between 2015 and 2022, winning four titles. He was named an All-Star five times.
“Oh, Bay Area, there are not enough words and pictures to convey how I truly feel about you,” he said on Instagram.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for the best moments of my life. It was an honor to wear that Dubs jersey from day one.”
In 2015, Thompson helped the Warriors win their first NBA championship in 40 years before turning back in 2017 and 2018.
After reaching a fifth consecutive final in 2019, Thompson suffered a serious knee injury late in the series and spent more than two years away before returning to win the fourth title in 2022.
“I really just wanted to be the best I could be and help bring as many championships to the region as possible,” Thompson said.
“The best part wasn’t the rings. It was the friendships I made that will last a lifetime.”
We change the way the game is played – Curry
Thompson formed a devastating partnership with Stephen Curry, who was selected seventh overall in the 2009 draft, and they became known as the ‘Splash Brothers’ for their three-point shooting prowess.
In three consecutive seasons, from 2014 to 2016, they broke the NBA record for combined three-pointers made in a season.
“I’m going to miss you,” Curry said on Instagram on Tuesday. “Even if we don’t finish the journey together, what we did will never be done again.
“I couldn’t have imagined a better race with you and [Green]. It changed the entire Bay Area. It changed the way the game is played. Killa Klay at the center of it all.
“Thanks for everything, bro. Go have fun playing basketball and doing what you do. Splash Bros 4 life, my man.”
