“It’s just unfortunate.” Warriors’ owner Joe Lacob’s words about Klay Thompson’s exit would have resonated strongly with NBA fans. By leaving the franchise and later joining the Dallas Mavericks, Thompson brought a 13-year long journey to an end. The move also ended his memorable partnership with Stephen Curry. Known as the ‘Splash Brothers’, the duo worked together, along with Draymond Green, to usher in Golden State Warriors’ golden era. They formed a unique bond together. This was often compared to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen’s partnership at the Chicago Bulls. Therefore, if losing Thompson wasn’t a big enough sting, fans certainly would not have felt better about an interview released four days after the official exit.
In an episode of the Raising Fame podcast, Klay Thompson’s father Mychal talked to Sonya Curry and Lucielle O’Neal. Mychal spoke highly of the bond between their sons, noting that Klay not only respects playing Steph, but also greatly respects him. “See, he said it to me in private, and he loves playing with Steph. He wants to retire as a Warrior. Not in another 10 years. He wants to go on to the Hall of Fame along with Steph” said Mychal during the interview.
“That’s how close he feels to him, and how honored he is to play with him. They’ve really formed a special bond. And so, that’s why I told him, I said that even though you are probably going to miss this year, I think you and Steph still have eight years together.”
Klay Thompson’s message to his father about continuing on as a Warrior would have certainly surprised listeners. After all, rumors of the troubles between the player and the franchise had been speculated for quite a few months before his exit. Despite having sparred often with him on the court, CJ McCollum defended Thompson’s role allegedly being diminished in favor of Brandin Podziemski. “To be treated the way he was treated this last year-and-a-half or so, I looked at it as disrespect from the outside looking in,” McCollum said. On top of that, it was no secret that the 5x NBA All-Star and the franchise were having trouble landing on a proper extension deal. While the Warriors were prepared to offer him a 2-year, $48 million contract, Thompson wanted a 4-year extension, the same deal that Draymond Green signed earlier. In the end, no one budged, and the NBA saw the break-up of the ‘Splash Brothers.’
Fortunately, not all is lost. Klay Thompson may not get to retire as a Warrior. However, the emotional message about him going into the Hall of Fame along with Steph can still be a reality, if both players are chosen as part of the same class. After all, despite what occurred, Stephen Curry has made it known that breaking the bond with his ‘Splash Brother’ will not be that easy.
How Stephen Curry reacted to Klay Thompson’s exit
After news about Klay Thompson hanging up his Warriors jersey became official, two questions would have been on everyone’s mind: ‘What’s next?’ and ‘What is Stephen Curry’s reaction?.’ Fortunately, fans didn’t have to wait too long to know the answer.
Thompson’s departure came around the same time that Curry was preparing for the Olympics. In an interview with Malika Andrews on July 8th, the four-time champion stated that while he would’ve loved to maintain the core group of the Warriors. He also wished they finish their careers at the same time. “Having Klay head on to Dallas, it’s tough. It’s something I never imagined would be a reality, but you want him to be happy.”
“I really haven’t figured out the emotions yet just because it’s one of those pieces that really won’t sink in until you get into October and you go to the locker room and you’re in your familiar sights and sounds of the Chase Center,” Curry emotionally said in another interview.
“He will always be welcome in my life. I hope he feels the same. Honestly, I get a little teary-eyed about it. I hope we’re going to be friends forever. And he’s just going to be in Dallas for a few years and we’ll have to kick his a*s. But that’s just the job.”
It could be a long time before another Curry-Thompson partnership is repeated on the NBA court. For now, fans await to see how they will perform as rivals. Some of them may wish to see the duo’s bond emerge again at the Hall of Fame ceremony.