“I’m locked in. Not really [been in contact with Steph and Green]. I will see them when I see them. That’s it,” said Klay Thompson to Andscape. Deemed an unbreakable trio, now separated. A Splash Bro not wearing the Blue and Golden jersey, seems weird, doesn’t it? The 4x Champ, though, is trying to hide/mask all his feelings before he returns to the arena that he called home for the longest time.

Thompson, now 34, says he’ll keep his focus sharp as if this matchup is just another game. He said, “It will be good to see people that you grinded with obviously, but to me, it’s just another regular season game in November.” 

But of course, that’s easier said than done. He left a heartfelt farewell message for Bay Area fans when he signed with the Mavericks four months ago, and his connection remains strong. The Golden State Warriors will honor him with a “Salute Captain Klay” tribute ceremony before tipoff, celebrating his unforgettable 11 years with the franchise.

But his father, Mychal, has something else to say. While appearing on the Willard and Dibs Show on 95.7 The Game, he said, “Players say that just to temper their emotions, not to get too caught up and too overhyped, and then you get out of your game… We all know it’s not just another game, it’s a special game.”

We all know that Klay would be feeling, at least, something, coming back to the place where he played exclusively for 11 years.

Even Steve Kerr had to chime in to say that Klay is not a robot. The head coach had explained, “There’s a reason he said that. He’s trying to clear his mind, get centered, and come out and play a great game.” It’s clear he believes a focused mindset is key here, doesn’t he? And honestly, he’s right—sometimes, you have to reset mentally to bring your best on the court.

Draymond Green’s ‘flagrant foul’ coming up- Mychal lightheartedly predicts special welcome for Klay Thompson, amidst “excited” Steph Curry

I know, we all wanted to see Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green hang up their boots together at the Chase Center. But, some things just don’t work out. Mychal also shares the same view. He said, “It was disappointing…I was hoping [Klay], Steph & Draymond would all go out together… I wish that he could have stayed with the Warriors for his whole career.“ The Golden Trio has given us countless memories to cherish, whether they came in clutch or in brotherhood. They also share their own moments.

Klay Thompson’s return to the Chase Center even had Chef Curry excited. It’s moments like these that make Steph seem human and, honestly, I’m all for it. He said something very wholesome but with a tinge of sadness.

“I’m not ready for this, man. It’s going to be a lot to look forward to. I’m excited to see him.”

The Splash Brothers will be on the same court for the first time this season but on opposite ends. It’s gonna be heart-wrenching, but we’ll get used to it. Kerr feels it’s going to be an emotional night, “There’s going to be a lot. It’s going to be a lot on him and a lot on us and it’s definitely a difficult night and an emotional night and everybody has to do whatever they have to do to settle in and play well.”  

Klay is averaging 13.8 ppg, his lowest since his rookie year, and 35.4% from beyond the arc, also his lowest. He does not need the added emotional stress.

On a light-hearted note, Mychal said after the tribute by the Warriors, “Draymond’s gonna commit a flagrant foul on him.” Now that Klay Thompson is on the other side, Draymond Green will not let him pass that easy. He will be the same Dray he’s been for years, one of the best defenders of his generation.

Albeit a little easier on Klay than Poole, I’m guessing? Joking. So what are your thoughts about KT finally reuniting with his old gang?