Splash brother no more:  Klay Thompson left the Warriors

LOOKS like “The Splash Brothers” will now go their separate ways. Klay Thompson will play for a different team for the first time in his career after signing a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. 

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is clearly entering a new era, as veteran players retire or leave their dynastic teams. As they say, things will never be the same again. 

According to ESPN’s NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the second half of the Splash Brothers is on his way to a new team following a multi-team sign-and-trade including the Charlotte Hornets.

During his 13-year tenure with the team, he constructed a dynasty with the greatest shooter of all time, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green, which fans will remember for years to come. 

Thompson collaborated well with them before departing the Bay Area. Winning four NBA championships, as well as five All-Star selections, two All-NBA third team selections, and one defensive second team selection. 

Aside from that, Thompson is undoubtedly one of the league’s most streaky shooters. He is currently ranked sixth in NBA history in terms of three-pointers made during the regular season, with 14 made in a single game.

Warriors’ heartfelt message

With that in mind, there is no animosity between the organization and Thompson. The Warriors issued a statement about his free agency predicament, expressing their gratitude and respect for him.

“We can’t overstate Klay Thompson’s incredible and legendary contributions with the Warriors during his 13 years with the team,” said Golden State Warriors’ PR account on X [formerly Twitter].

“The amount of joy and happiness that Klay provided Warriors fans, Bay Area natives and Dub Nation supporters all around the world has been immense and cannot be minimized.”

“His penchant for delivering in pressurized situations on the biggest stage, including many Game 6 heroics, has helped define a career,” the post went on to say.

Moreover, the statement also mentioned their excitement on the idea of retiring his #11 jersey in the near future at Chase Center.

“Klay’s legacy will live on forever and we look forward to the day we can retire his #11 jersey at Chase Center, where he will join a host of Warriors immortals, including those who helped shape this recent dynasty— himself included.”

“We thank Klay for his contributions and wish him the best as another chapter in his journey is written,” ended the statement.

Indeed, it is a bittersweet goodbye to their dynasty, but they will continue on their separate ways. Thompson hopes to reintroduce himself to everyone after not having to perform to his regular standards in his final games with the Warriors.

Other key signings in free agency

Aside from Thompson, several NBA All-Stars signed with new teams this summer. To mention a few, Paul George and Chris Paul will now wear different uniforms for the upcoming season. 

George’s highly anticipated team up with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard in the Los Angeles Clippers ended this summer, and he is now on his way to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey with the Philadelphia 76ers. 

The silky-smooth small forward will sign a maximum contract for $212 million with Philadelphia, which includes a player option for his final season in 2027-2028.

Despite losing George, the Clippers made important upgrades to their squad, signing Keving Porter Jr., Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, and Mo Bamba. 

On the other hand, after being waived by the Golden State Warriors for a brief stint, Paul will now join the San Antonio Spurs next season with Victor Wembanyama, the first choice in the 2023 NBA Draft. 

According to ESPN, the veteran NBA guard will sign a one-year, $11 million contract with the Spurs. Despite his age, San Antonio fans are nevertheless excited about the signing. Paul may only help Wembanyama enhance his pick-and-tool skills.

In just a few days of entering free agency, there have already been significant and thrilling transfers and contracts. NBA fans may expect more surprise moves as free agency continues.