Warriors GM Shuts Down Strained Relations Rumors in Desperate Klay Thompson & Draymond Green Plea

So there it is. The Golden State Warriors camp has finally addressed the raging rumors and eased the tensions for the Dub nation. In a press conference, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy dealt with pressing questions surrounding Klay Thompson and the dynasty. His damning stance sent a clear message to the league. In his statement, the GM stated that he wants him back. Notably, Thompson, who enters free agency this summer, was rumored to leave the Warriors for the Orlando Magic.

This news, along with an initial rejection of a Warriors contract, threw up speculations of strained relations between Klay & the front office. However, this statement could ease these rumors, giving fans the hope they need. Interestingly, he spoke about Draymond Green as well. Draymond, who had a rather troublesome season, was labeled by experts as the Warriors’ biggest problem.

However, the front office has a different opinion. Dunleavy said the team and he cannot imagine a “scenario where Draymond Green’s not back. Could be wrong, but man, he’s under contract. We value him. He’s a core piece of what we do.” Additionally, he publicly backed KT, saying, “I think it’s a mutual feeling…It’s a deal. Both sides got to be good with it. And we’ll work through that”.

Despite the free agency in July, that wasn’t the only reason why fans anticipate Klay leaving. Over time last season, the Splash Brother’s performances were seen dropping. Unfortunately for the team, it came at the worst time, as the sharpshooter went 0-10 from the field in the play-in loss against the Kings. Dunleavy was humble enough to admit that it was “the worst game” they had played all year.

On the other hand, Green spent an outrageous number of games on the sidelines this season, not because of injury, but because of multiple suspensions, causing the team’s on-the-paint numbers to be highly affected.

Rebuilding the Championship Chemistry

While the front office’s desire to retain the core is clear, questions linger about the team’s chemistry. Head Coach Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry have desired to retain Klay Thompson. A doubt looms over the dynamic between him and Draymond Green. Previously, Thompson hinted at a personal struggle, saying “he was torn between playing with Steph and Draymond and having mental peace.” These comments describe unresolved issues within the team’s dynamic.

Dunleavy, however, made it clear that the recently concluded season “wasn’t good enough”. He made his disappointment very clear about the dynamic group of veterans and rising youngsters like Podziemski and Kumgina weren’t playing in the postseason longer. He clarified that they weren’t considering any “what-ifs” in this situation.

Coming back to the Klay Thompson part, as a part of his $190 million contract, he has missed more than two and a half years recovering from serious injuries. However, upon his return in January 2022, the Warriors managed to debunk every ‘dynasty-ending’ claim and clinch the Championship. Well, they seem to be in a similar situation now, and Green has repeatedly called himself a Warrior for life.

The question is; will Klay, despite all the loyalty and love, find a common vision to stay back? Or will a team like Orlando Magic, who desperately need to strengthen their attack and need someone, not necessarily in a two-way role, be able to sell their project to the veteran better?