Klay suggests Warriors split is necessary as he was ready for change originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
Klay Thompson finally spoke on Tuesday about his surprising departure from the Warriors.
In his introductory press conference with the Dallas Mavericks, sitting alongside fellow free agents Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes, Thompson provided honest answers about his mindset during the turbulent 2023-24 NBA season and why he feels good about leaving the Warriorsthe only NBA team he has ever known.
“Whether you play basketball or work in the corporate world or anywhere else, whatever the industry, sometimes change can spark greatness and a new change of scenery can do wonders,” Thompson told reporters at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. “I’m very grateful for the time I spent in Golden State, but I felt like moving forward could reinvigorate me and do something special for the rest of my career.”
After spending his first 13 seasons in the NBA with the Warriors, Thompson opted to sign a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks, joining forces with All-Stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
The tense contract negotiations between Thompson and the Warriors last year are well documented, and when push came to shove, the five-time All-Star decided it was best to move on rather than return to a franchise that didn’t prioritize him. .
“Probably a little disappointed at first, but as time goes on, you have a lot of time to reflect and you realize what you’ve done, they can’t take that away from you as far as championships go,” Thompson said. “I mean, records are meant to be broken, but the impact you have on the community and everything that it has will live on forever. Sometimes separations are necessary to do what is right.”
The 2023-24 NBA season didn’t go as planned for Thompson or the Warriors, with head coach Steve Kerr eventually moving the longtime point guard to the bench in favor of rookie Brandin Podziemski.
For someone as proud as Thompson, a reduced role was hard to swallow.
“There were times last year where it was really difficult,” Thompson said. “Everyone expects you to be that All-NBA player and sometimes it’s hard to do that consistently. That’s why there are only 15 spots on this team and coming here is a new beginning and a feeling of being wanted again and I add great value.
“I’m excited to go out there and even work out after this press conference and get shots. Yes, there were times last year where it was difficult where it wasn’t as joyful as it has been in the past. And it’s nice to let go of that and have a fresh start, a new group of guys you know and co-workers. A whole new city. opportunity.”
Thompson leaving Steph Curry, Draymond and Green and the Warriors has been difficult for Dub Nation to absorb, but he reminded everyone that he is not the first player to leave a team after a long and prosperous journey.
Thompson, 34, who spent more than a decade of his childhood growing up in the Portland area, cited a specific example of an all-time great NBA player leaving a team with which he won championships.
“I’m not the first NBA athlete to go through this,” Thompson. “I grew up in Portland and I remember when Scottie Pippen came to the Blazers, it was the biggest day of my life. And I’m not saying I’m Scottie, but they were there against the [Los Angeles] The Lakers almost want to chip. So I get a lot of inspiration from past athletes and how their careers may have gone wrong when they left the team or joined a new team. And some guys thrive. And I’m looking forward to being rejuvenated here and playing a lot of good basketball that I have left in the tank.
While Thompson’s father Mychal wanted his son to join of the Los Angeles Lakers, Klay chose the Mavericks because of what he saw last season. Additionally, he said he wanted to leave the West Coast, where he spent his entire basketball career, dating back to his high school and college days.
“Dallas was so attractive because of the young players they have, the style of play, the world-class treatment these players receive from this organization and just because it’s a beautiful city that loves its hoops,” Thompson said.
“So when I was watching the playoffs and watching the Mavs compete for the championship, I found myself fitting in really well with this team and the guys, and they seem to have fun playing with each other and playing for each other. and that was very attractive to me and that’s all I needed to see and there’s mutual interest in that and that’s why I’m here.
Curry, Green and Dub Nation expected Thompson to play his entire Hall of Fame career with the Warriors, but that won’t happen.
For Thompson, this is the change he needed at this point in his NBA career and personal life.
