Klay Thompson and Golden State’s divorce is not a villainous event

Some may want to blame someone for Klay Thompson leaving the Golden State Warriors. But there is no villain to this story.

By Morten Stig Jensen

Jun 30, 2024 06:31 AM

Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson are reportedly parting ways. This marks the end of a 13-year partnership that began in 2011, when Thompson was selected as the 11th pick overall by Golden State.

Thompson, who is widely regarded as the second best shooter in NBA History, helped the Warriors to win four championships and transform the franchise into a dynasty along with Stephen Curry, Draymond green, and head Coach Steve Kerr.

Thompson’s departure is not a big surprise.

Thompson had a wandering gaze and his relationship with this organization was often rocky, even though he stayed for 13 years and gave himself to it every year.

It’s important to remember that this story doesn’t have a villain. Thompson might be viewed as a villain by some Warriors fans because he left on his own, rather than being traded, which would have given him no control over the situation.

Fans might point out that the Warriors stuck by him during two seasons of injury, in which he suffered an ACL tear and ruptured Achilles.

Some might argue that Thompson was committed to the Warriors and worked hard to return. He may have looked at the Lakers earlier in his career but he returned to help win more titles for the Warriors.

There are actually two antagonists in the story. Injury and age.

Thompson isn’t quite the same player he was. After two years of being sidelined by two of the worst basketball injuries anyone could sustain, it would be unfair to expect Thompson to be back to his old self.

Thompson, now 34 years old, is a tough combination of hard decline and a body that you don’t really know if it will last or not.

Golden State could not justify even starting him for a single game this season due to his declining defense and overall movement.

What would be the impact of a new contract, especially one that is worth more than $20 million annually?

Thompson is more concerned with what he has meant to the organization and his career. It is understandable that Thompson wants to be acknowledged for the work he has done.

Both sides are right. Thompson has every right to highlight his many accomplishments, while the Warriors have every right to be cautious.

It might be the right time to part ways, preferably in good terms, and shake each other’s hands. Thompson can go elsewhere and the Warriors will be able to find a new partner for Curry.

Both sides will have to adjust. Thompson was accustomed to the Golden State system, and it was accustomed to him. Both sides will have stretches when they don’t see each other, and stretches when they realize they made the correct call.

This is a game where there are no winners or losers. It’s just a brand new day with a fresh jersey and a different 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.