“I will ride with Klay forever,” Steve Kerr had said three years ago when Klay’s comeback was imminent from his long injury spell. However, we can now only look back at that line in sadness. The Dubs were quick to post a heartwarming note addressing the public after the stinging trade. Not even a single home fan would have imagined the 4x NBA Champ in a jersey other than the Golden State Warriors. But now, Thompson, after a 13-season-long successful career in the Bay Area, will move to Texas, donning the Mavericks thread. Despite the glum mood across town, the team promised to honor their legend for his clutch contributions and iconic moments.

The Warriors’ PR team issued a statement and thanked the star for his service to the team, saying, “We can’t overstate Klay Thompson’s incredible and legendary contributions with the Warriors during his 13 years with the team.” They also listed his biggest achievements for the Dubs like his 37-point quarter (most in NBA history) and 3-point field goals record (14) in a game.

Above all, the management promised to honor the star by retiring the #11 jersey number. The statement read, “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.” 

Klay Thompson‘s departure from the Warriors’ fold was on the cards over the last few weeks. Many expected the management and the star to come to an understanding, but it never was the case. It all began when Marc Stein, an NBA insider, stated that China Klay had developed a “strained relationship” with Joe Lacob. And as a domino effect, the series of events led down to the star’s exit.

Firstly, the team offered a $48 million extension for two years, after Draymond Green signed a 4-year deal worth $100 million in the previous year. The star, of course, declined it and the team didn’t back it up with a better offer. Moreover, Steve Kerr pushed him to come off the bench for several games after his poor run. Above all, he went 0-10 FG in a knockout game, and that turned out to be the last time he wore the Dubs thread.

Will the Warriors survive without their previous hero Klay Thompson?

Going by the history, Stephen Curry & Co. have struggled without Klay. The team even went down to their lowest point during the Steve Kerr era when the 5x All-Star wasn’t around. They’ve emerged as the most successful team in the 2010s period with 5 Finals appearances and winning 3 of them. During the 2019 NBA Finals, the team had an unfortunate mishap. They lost both Kevin Durant and Klay to season-ending injuries during the Finals series. The Dubs eventually ended up losing the Finals to the Toronto Raptors.

Durant, who suffered a torn Achilles, signed with the Brooklyn Nets in the off-season. Whereas Thompson took time off to recover from his torn ACL. It took him two seasons. During that dark period, the Warriors under Kerr had the worst possible NBA stint. In the 2019-20 season, they finished last in the West with a 15-50 record. After that, the team again failed to qualify for the playoffs, as they finished as the 9th seed with a 39-33 record.

In the 2021-22 season, Thompson finally made his return, recovering the injuries. He played 32 games, averaging 20.4 points. As a result, the team went on to win the ring, making it super emotional for the Bay Area. This comeback that happened in Klay Thompson’s presence was enough to prove his importance in the Dubs’ roster.

Do you think they will struggle without Klay in the upcoming season? Let us know in the comments below.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.