Klay Thompson had been with the Golden State Warriors for over a decade.
He was an instrumental piece of the four NBA championships they won in the Stephen Curry era, and they would’ve never become the dynasty they were without his perimeter defense, shot-making, and team-first mentality.
That’s why it was such a tough decision for the team to let him go in free agency.
With that in mind, team owner Joe Lacob told Marcus Thompson II and David Aldridge of The Athletic that he still got a little ‘teary eyed’ about it.
Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob joined @davidaldridgedc and @ThompsonScribe on @AthleticNBAShow to discuss Klay Thompson’s departure and his impact on the organization.
“He’s just going to be in Dallas for a few years and we’ll have to kick his a—.”
Full episode:… pic.twitter.com/AJajQLn2rR
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) July 16, 2024
He hopes that Thompson understands that this is just the business side of the job, adding that he’s always going to be welcome in his life.
Lacob stated that Thompson played a huge role in their success.
Last but not least, he claimed that, as competitors, they’ll just have to kick his butt now that he’s with the Dallas Mavericks, adding that he’s sure that Thompson feels the same way about the Warriors.
It’s going to be odd not to watch Thompson play at CHASE Center next season, and that first time back in the Bay area is definitely going to be very emotional.
But at the end of the day, the Warriors made the choice that they thought was best for their present, their future, and their ability to contend for an NBA championship.
Whether that was the right decision or not, only time will tell.
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Warriors Sign Summer League Standout To Two-Way Contract
