It’s official. Actually, it’s been official for quite some time now. Klay Thompson inked a 3-year $50 million sign-and-trade deal with the Dallas Mavericks. While it was a long time coming, it was still doubtful whether he would move to the Lakers or Mavs. Well, that’s now out of the way. However, all this was still a saddening affair. For a guy to give the better part of his career to the re-assembling of a dynasty piece by piece and then having to walk away like this, was truly disappointing. And yet, not many believe that to be the case.

According to various NBA insiders, Thompson might have been even more “exhausting” than his controversial teammate, Draymond Green. “The last three years I know Draymond has punched people and got himself suspended on the court… but Klay has been equally exhausting behind the scenes. It’s not as loud,” Jason Dumas said in his appearance in 95.7 The Game.

While Green was very vocal and public with his antics, Dumas believes a similar trait can also be found in Klay. Thompson’s sulking ways and slamming the bench would naturally be even worse during practice, he assumed. Not to mention an uncomfortable locker room. The sideline reporter for the G League Warriors further said, “If you read between the lines over the last 3 years, [Klay’s exit] is not very surprising”.

“He’s a very prideful person. When he feels slighted, he’s going to let you know. Sometimes that’s exhausting for everybody in the building,” Dumas concluded. The last 3 years haven’t been easy for the 4x champion, either. Yes, it’s true he came back in January 2022 and helped the team win a title. But even then, it looked like he struggled.

In short, he hasn’t been the same guy since coming back from injuries. And it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that has been the cause for all this agitation and, for the lack of a better word, exhaustive. Dumas also pointed out, “When it comes to basketball…Steph is the loudest person in the room saying ‘I like to play with Draymond Green,'” pointing out the contrasting difference that Curry has been very vocal when it comes to Dray and that’s probably the reason the veteran still is a Warrior.

On the other side, what is currently going on in Thompson’s mind?

Klay Thompson takes great pride in himself and his work

It has been a talking point over the last few days how the Warriors were more concerned with taking care of business and tying loose ends instead of giving Klay the importance he felt was due to him. “But he isn’t expected to be there waiting as a willing secondary priority in their summer plan, with his side feeling that the Warriors’ interest in a reunion has been disingenuous,” Charania and Slater of The Athletic had written recently.

Then there was that slight by Draymond Green. We all know Green’s tongue is faster than his brain, and more often than not, he blurts out things candidly. And this was one of those instances. At least, that’s what everyone hoped was the case. The Warriors had offered Klay Thompson a $189 million extension in 2019 after he tore his ACL.

“Klay tore his ACL. They paid him $160 million,” the loud-mouthed veteran forward had said. Dray, apparently, was trying to prove the point that the franchise would do right by his colleague, despite a poor production. However, the example he used didn’t exactly have the desired effect. In an earlier episode of 95.7 The Game, one of the hosts believed the 5x All-Star took offense to it.

They further pointed out that certain topics were off limits and this certainly fell in that. Thompson, for his part, said, “Well, could you imagine if they didn’t pay me after I got hurt? That would have been really bad. Five straight finals and you blow your knee out. Yeah, sorry.”

Let’s hope the change of scenery and teammates in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will be enough to bring his spirits up.

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef. Keep checking this space for more such updates.