It was 13 years ago that a young and uncrowned Klay Thompson first entered the Golden State Warriors facility. No one was aware of the mass history he would create along with his star teammates. Thompson became part of the most dangerous backcourt tandem with Stephen Curry and launched an indomitable dynasty, claiming rights to four championships in those seasons. But every story comes to an end. Similarly, after a bothersome last year with the Bay, Thompson decided to leave and join the Dallas Mavericks.

For the Dub Nation, sorrow set in pretty quickly. Thompson was more than just a 13-year veteran. His ludicrous shooting formed the basis for the Warriors dynasty to ever take place. The 34-year-old is considered indispensable to their days of triumph. But it surprised fans more that Klay Thompson had the chance to return when he was offered a two-year $48 million deal but decided to reject it instead. When speaking about his free agency decision, Gilbert Arenas felt it was time.

“I think what Klay did last year let’s just say that was the bottom end of what he could have did right. Contract on the line, playing with his own head, he wasn’t there mentally and he still averaged 18… I thought the move was needed to really see what your value is and he gambled on himself. And he didn’t really take a pay cut in a sense,” Agent Zero said on Gil’s Arena.

Thompson’s extension completely hinged on his performance this past season. The most prominent takeaway was his ability to stay healthy as Thompson would play 77 games. The concerning part though was the dip in the very skill that propelled him to being a critical part of the Warriors dynasty. Thompson’s shooting has worsened over time and it seemed the Warriors weren’t willing to risk their financial statements while they hope his numbers improve.

Even then, it’s still a loss for the Golden State Warriors, who were trying restlessly to put together another dream run for their dynasty. Well, if it is a dynasty anymore that is. “I mean the Warriors been cooked since the punch. Let’s be honest. The dynasty has been over since that punch. It just took a whole lot out of the time and I don’t think they ever have been right since then,” Brandon Jennings confidently claimed. It’s hard to argue against it since the Warriors have yet to see a conference finals since the shocking incident involving Green and Jordan Poole.

Maybe a change in dynamic was needed for both of them. The Warriors are trying to maximize their time with Stephen Curry as the focal point of the franchise. While he remains astronomically productive, his days are numbered. With that in mind, the franchise wants to stay relevant, and to do so is bound to make some difficult decisions.

On the other hand, Klay Thompson’s hold in the Bay’s lineup had begun to fall. Steve Kerr had planned to bring him off the bench behind Brandon Podziemski, a youthful and hard-working guard. With the Mavericks, Thompson remains on a competitive team while seeing more of the floor than he would have with the Warriors.

The Warriors will never forget Klay Thompson

The story might not have ended ceremoniously. Thompson is leaving and will finish his career as a rival of the very franchise that drafted him. However, it doesn’t mean his impact will be erased and forgotten. Thompson will always be a vital part of the Warriors’ profound success in the last decade. Without him, there was no dynasty, and the franchise acknowledged that.

“Klay’s legacy will live on forever and we look forward to the day we can retire his #11 jersey at Chase Center, where he will join a host of Warriors immortals, including those who helped shape this recent dynasty, himself included,” the Warriors wrote in their statements following Thompson’s announcement of joining the Dallas Mavericks.

It is all set and decided. Klay Thompson will be immortalized by the franchise once his eventual playing career is over. That’s the nod of respect a legend like him deserves. Thompson gave everything he had for the Warriors, fighting with honor and dignity in his conquests.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.