The Golden State Warriors and their fans are bidding a heartfelt farewell to one of the franchise’s most iconic players, Klay Thompson. The 34-year-old sharpshooter has agreed to a three-year, $50 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks, marking the end of an illustrious 11-season run with the Warriors.
A Legendary Career with the Warriors
Klay Thompson’s time with the Warriors has been nothing short of legendary. Over 11 seasons, he averaged 19.6 points per game with impressive shooting splits of 45% from the field, 41% from beyond the arc, and 86% from the free-throw line. Thompson’s contributions were instrumental in the Warriors’ success, earning him five All-Star appearances and four NBA championships.
One of the Greatest Shooters of All Time
Thompson’s reputation as one of the greatest shooters in the history of the NBA is well-deserved. Often overshadowed by his Splash Brother, Stephen Curry, Thompson carved out his legacy. He needs just 79 more made three-pointers to surpass Reggie Miller for fifth place on the career 3-point field goals list. Last season, he made 268 three-pointers, and his 301 three-pointers in 2023 led the NBA. His career three-point shooting percentage of 41.3% ranks among the top 20 in NBA history.
Overcoming Adversity
Thompson’s journey with the Warriors included significant challenges. After missing the entire 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons due to a torn left ACL and a ruptured right Achilles, he returned midway through the 2021-22 campaign. Despite these setbacks, Thompson played a pivotal role in helping the Warriors secure a redemptive title in 2022.
A Changing Role
As Thompson adapted to changes in his game, his workload decreased. His usage rate fell to 24.2%, and he attempted 14.7 shots per game—the fewest since his rookie season. He also averaged fewer than 30 minutes per game for the first time in his career. Despite these adjustments, Thompson still averaged 17.9 points per game, despite his performance being inconsistent.
Farewell to a Franchise Legend
The Golden State Warriors and their fans will always cherish Klay Thompson’s incredible contributions to the team’s success. His ability to deliver in clutch moments, tenacity, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the franchise. As he embarks on a new journey with the Dallas Mavericks, Warriors fans can look back on his time with the team with pride and gratitude.
A New Beginning for Klay Thompson
Joining the Dallas Mavericks, Thompson brings veteran experience and elite shooting to a team looking to make a deep playoff run. His ability to space the floor and hit clutch shots will be invaluable to the Mavericks’ offense. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how Thompson adapts to his new role and contributes to his new team.
Klay Thompson’s move to the Dallas Mavericks marks the end of a significant chapter in Golden State Warriors history. As he moves on, the memories of his spectacular performances and the championships he helped secure will forever remain in the hearts of Warriors fans. Thank you, Klay, for all the unforgettable moments and being a true Warrior.
