Amidst Klay Thompson‘s departure from the Warriors, we learned of how poor the relationship had gotten. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Kendra Andrews reported that both Thompson and Draymond Green were unhappy with the Warriors handing out big-money contract extensions to Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins after their 2022 NBA championship win.
“When he returned in 2022, up-and-coming guard Jordan Poole moved back to a bench role so [Klay] Thompson could start. But Poole’s mere presence — and contract situation — undercut Thompson’s role on the team.”
“The Warriors prioritized extending Poole — for four years and $140 million — and young swingman Andrew Wiggins (four years, $109 million) over Thompson and [Draymond] Green the summer after they won a championship, which didn’t sit well with either of the two veterans, sources said.”
This news should not come as a surprise to anyone. It has long been reported that Thompson has felt disrespected by the Warriors franchise and made to feel as though he is not a priority. The Warriors even rejected his final offer to take $40 million over two years, forcing him to look elsewhere in the NBA.
As for Draymond Green, he sure let everyone know how felt about Jordan Poole getting that massive extension. In what can be considered the turning point for the Warriors dynasty, Green punched Poole during a practice session, leading to a suspension for Green, and the entire chemistry of the Warriors being affected.
Draymond Green spoke recently about the incident and expressed his regret over his actions and not being able to celebrate with Poole when he got his massive extension. But from what Shelburne and Andrews are reporting, he wasn’t ever thrilled enough to actually celebrate with Poole.
Klay Thompson Didn’t Want Stephen Curry To Help Him Stay In Golden State
It was recently reported that Klay Thompson asked Stephen Curry not to use his influence to get him the deal he wanted from the Warriors. Perhaps Klay wanted to see how the Warriors would treat him based on his resume and what he has contributed to the franchise, rather than Curry’s pressure to get Klay what he deserves.
“It’s been a layered five-year path to this divorce, splintering last season, sprouting earlier and finalizing in the last couple weeks, where —among the conversations Thompson had, league sources said — was a request of Stephen Curry not to exert his significant organizational influence and up the temperature with management to ensure Thompson’s return.”
“Curry’s measured voice, even if it altered the outcome, wouldn’t change the genuineness of Joe Lacob and the front office’s true desire to have Thompson back.”
Thompson was also reportedly miserable in his final year with the Warriors. It doesn’t come as a surprise, given how Klay looked during the prior season whenever cameras were pointed at him. In fact, some Warriors insiders have suggested that Thompson had attitude problems during the latter years of his Warriors stint.
Thompson will be looking to make an impact with the Mavericks this season. Klay averaged averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season, and will be a key figure for the Mavs as they look to return to the NBA Finals this season. As for the Warriors, they seem to be close to landing Buddy Hield to replace Thompson.
It will be a fascinating sight watching Thompson play in another jersey next season, and the eventual Thompson-Curry match-up will be an exciting watch.
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