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USA Today via Reuters
Dec 19, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the Boston Celtics during the first half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Dec 19, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the Boston Celtics during the first half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Many Golden State Warriors fans are still disappointed with the franchise’s front office. 5x All-Star Klay Thompson was allowed to leave and he ended up joining fellow Western Conference rivals Dallas Mavericks. Following a heavy defeat to the Boston Celtics, who clinched their 18th title, Dallas improved their roster by adding the 4x NBA champion. On the Gil’s Arena podcast, former NBA guard Brandon Jennings criticized the Warriors for letting Thompson go. However, he suggested the Warriors should have traded another player instead of Klay.
Jennings argued that Thompson was a key player for the Warriors and suggested they should have considered trading fellow 4x All-Star and 4x NBA champion Draymond Green instead. “I feel they should have moved Draymond,” Jennings stated on the Gil’s Arena podcast. Jennings further proposed that the Warriors could have tried to bring back 2x champion and 14x All-Star Kevin Durant, who had already played three successful seasons with the team.
Additionally, the podcast touched on the implications of this move for their cornerstone, Stephen Curry. The panelists discussed how Curry won four championships with the Warriors, relying on a strong roster. Jennings expressed his disappointment, saying, “It just sucks that like for him who he is. Is like you know, like you’re basically stuck.” This comment underscores the potential challenges Curry might face without his long-time teammate.
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USA Today via Reuters
Nov 30, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11), guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Draymond Green (23) after the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Interestingly, the main man of the podcast, Gilbert Arenas, had previously shared that Klay should stick with the Warriors. However, he also mentioned that if Klay were to leave, he should consider teams like the Phoenix Suns or Dallas. Now, with Thompson joining Dallas on a three-year, $50 million contract, Arenas’ words seem almost prophetic.
Klay Thompson’s departure ends an iconic era is San Francisco
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As Steph Curry prepares for the Olympics with Team USA, he finds himself grappling with the departure of his long-time teammate. In an interview with ESPN, Curry expressed his disbelief and sorrow over Thompson’s move to Dallas, saying, “Klay heading to Dallas, it’s tough. It does suck losing Klay.” Despite the pain, Curry also wished for Thompson’s happiness in his future career.
Meanwhile, Thompson is embracing his new challenge with the Dallas Mavericks. During his introduction interview, he expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing, “At this point in my career, still can’t leave me open. I can guard.” He further said he is very excited for the new season.
In a touching statement, the Warriors acknowledged Thompson’s legacy, stating, “Klay’s legacy will live on forever.” The team also announced their plans to retire his number #11 at the Chase Center, ensuring that his impact on the franchise will be remembered for generations to come. As Kyrie Irving wears #11 for Dallas, the veteran chose to wear #31 to honor his basketball hero Reggie Miller.
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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.