Prior to signing with the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, Klay Thompson had spent the entirety of his 11-year NBA career with the Golden State Warriors.
During that time, he formed one of the most iconic duos in NBA history with Steph Curry, known as the “Splash Brothers,” and also formed one of the league’s best trios of all time with him, Curry, and Draymond Green. That trio went on to win four titles, forming what many consider to be one of the best dynasties in sports history.
While the Warriors didn’t invent small ball or shooting the three, they popularized them in a way that changed the NBA forever. However, due to brutal luck with injuries from 2019-21, Thompson was the odd man out in terms of getting an extension. After posting his lowest scoring numbers since his rookie season this past season, the Dubs and Thompson couldn’t reach a deal.
On Tuesday, his former teammates will go from friends to rivals as the Mavericks are taking on the Warriors in the group stage of the NBA Cup. However, the term “friends” maybe should be used a bit loosely, as Thompson revealed to Marc. J Spears of Andscape, that the iconic trio hasn’t been in contact since his departure.
“I’m locked-in. Not really,” Thompson said when asked if they stayed in touch. “I will see them when I see them. That’s it.”
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11), guard Stephen Curry (30), and Draymond Green (23)..
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
When discussing what he misses about Golden State, Thomspon told Spears the one thing he misses about the Bay is “the water.” While Thompson was known for driving his boat to games, he appeared to make it a point to emphasize that the Golden State chapter of his life is behind him.
Even with the team honoring his return on Tuesday with a video montage, bobblehead giveaway and a speech from Curry, Thompson made it a point to emphasize the fans will appreciate it more so than he will.
“I guess it’s a good thing for the fans. So, kudos to that,” Thompson said.
Maybe they grew apart or maybe Thompson still isn’t thrilled with how his time in the Bay ended. Regardless, Thompson and his former teammates will be going at it for the first time in their careers.
A sight that will be weird for an entire generation of NBA fans.
