Right now there’s only one question on the internet’s mind, is the Golden State Warriors to be blamed for the departure of Klay Thompson? Several analysts and veterans have sided with the San Francisco unit, highlighting Thompson’s underwhelming performance last season and Stephen Curry’s final few years to get another ring. Anyhow, Udonis Haslem and his former Miami Heat teammate, who played with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, believe the Warriors ‘disrespected’ Thompson in a few ways. How, you ask? Let’s take a look. 

Thompson’s era in the Dub Nation should not be taken for granted. But when it comes to a contract extension, does the 4x champion not deserve a max? For all the history he created there, many would say yes. On the other hand, some would deny it because Thompson’s form has reduced over the year and he was getting paid during his injury as well. So who should have sacrificed for the deal to happen? 

Well, the former Miami Heat star Mike Bibby believes it should have been the Warriors. “To not offer him nothing is disrespect. To lowball is going to be disrespectful…Somebody else pays him that much, you gotta go for your money right now.” said Bibby. Udonis Haslem was of the same lines, “I think at this point for his mental health and his sanity, I think it might be time for fresh air.”

The last offer from Klay Thompson‘s camp was roughly $20 million a season. The Warriors surprisingly declined it, which is why the 34-year-old felt disrespected. He went on to choose the three-year $50 million offer from the Mavericks, declining the Lakers’ offer of $80 million for 4 years. 

Why did the Warriors decline Klay Thompson’s request for $20 million per season? 

The cap space for the Warriors has been a huge problem for quite some time. Even during the trade deadline earlier this February, there was skepticism that Draymond Green might leave for the Memphis Grizzlies. However, he settled for a 4-year $100 million contract. This is because of the hefty extensions that they offered for the other stars.

In October 2022, Jordan Poole got a 4-year $128 million extension, which went in vain after he was traded to the Washington Wizards. In the same month, Andrew Wiggins also got a 4-year $109 million extension. When Poole left, Chris Paul filled the spot for which the Warriors paid him $30 million last season. Now, both Poole and Paul have left. 

The Warriors are trying their best to acquire Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz. If that trade happens, Wiggins will be used for the trade. That will give the Warriors some extra cap space. This is exactly why they requested Thompson to wait so that they can finish their off-season moves first. However, Thompson felt disrespected, and that was the end of the dynasty. 

What do you think about the whole scenario? Let us know in the comments below.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video: