Klay Thompson’s exit from the Golden State Warriors appeared to be foreordained. According to owner Joe Lacob, Thompson decided to leave this offseason before free agency even began. During a recent interview with Tim Kawakami of The Athletic, Lacob discussed the negotiations with Thompson and how they unfolded.
“But, to be honest, Klay made the decision ahead to the start of free agency,” Lacob explained, “and he notified us of his intention not to return. … He called and told me the same things you heard at his Dallas news conference. Klay is an open book. He felt compelled to start over for a variety of reasons.”
Lacob also stated that the Warriors gave Thompson a bigger offer than what he ultimately signed for with the Mavericks, which he thought was “very fair.” He also stated that “under a fair and equitable basis,” the franchise intended to maintain Thompson as a Warrior for life, but it simply did not work out.
With Thompson poised to wear a different team’s jersey for the first time in his NBA career, and the Warriors’ longtime core looking a little different, it will be intriguing to see how both sides’ decisions play out this season. Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson were added to the Warriors’ roster this offseason, and each could play a significant role now that Thompson has joined the Dallas Mavericks.
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