From Warrior to Maverick: Klay Thompson’s Decision to Leave the Team and Its Implications

After 13 years with the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson made the tough decision to leave the team and sign a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Despite having difficult conversations with his close teammate, Steph Curry, including one in which he asked not to pressure the Warriors front office into re-signing him, Thompson ultimately decided to make the move on his own.

Thompson spoke to Curry about his decision and asked him not to use his influence to push for his return to the team. Curry respected Thompson’s wishes and did not pressure the front office into re-signing him. Reports indicate that negotiations with the Warriors had stalled in the weeks leading up to free agency, but despite minimal communication from the Warriors and their representatives, Thompson ultimately made his choice.

Now that Thompson has left the team he will be facing off against them at least three times during the upcoming NBA season as a member of Western Conference rivals, The Dallas Mavericks. Curry’s organizational influence is well-known and he often plays a role in deciding on major moves for the team. However, in this instance, he respected Thompson’s decision and did not try to sway the front office.