Klay and Golden State’s Divorce is Not a Villainous Event

Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors may be blamed by some. There is no villain in this story.

By Morten Stig Jensen

Jun 30, 2024 06:31 AM

Golden State Warriors and Klay Thomson are reported to be parting ways. This marks the end a 13-year relationship that began in 2011 when Thompson was chosen as Golden State’s 11th overall pick.

Thompson is widely considered the second-best shooter in NBA history. He helped Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr transform the Warriors into a dynasty.

Thompson’s departure was not a surprise.

Thompson’s relationship with the organization, which he served for 13 years by giving himself every year, was often rocky.

This story does not have a villain. Thompson may be seen as a bad guy by some Warriors fans, because he chose to leave on his own rather than being dealt, which would give him no control of the situation.

Some fans might note that the Warriors stood by him for two seasons during which he sustained an ACL tear as well as a ruptured Achilles.

Thompson worked hard for the Warriors, and some might say that he was dedicated to them. Thompson may have considered the Lakers early in his career, but he returned so that the Warriors could win more championships.

The story has two antagonists. Age and injury.

Thompson hasn’t been the same basketball player for two years. It would be unfair to expect Thompson, who was sidelined due to two of the most serious injuries anyone can sustain in the sport of basketball, to be his old self.

Thompson is now 34 years of age. He has a combination of hard decline, and a body you are not sure will last.

Golden State couldn’t justify starting him in a single match this season because of his declining defensive and overall movement.

How would a contract worth more than 20 million dollars per year impact your business?

It’s understandable why Thompson wants recognition for his work.

Both sides have a right. Thompson is entitled to his accomplishments and the Warriors are entitled to their caution.

The Warriors can find a partner for Curry and Thompson will be able go somewhere else.

Both teams will need to adjust. Thompson had become accustomed with the Golden State system. There will be stretches where they won’t see one another, as well as stretches where they will realize that they made the right call.

There are no losers or winners in this game. A new day has arrived with a fresh shirt and a new tide.

Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. Spotrac provides all salary data. All odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook.