For Golden State Warriors fans, the end of an era is approaching! Since the last few days, shooting guard Klay Thompson has been making headlines over the issue of not being able to secure a lucrative extension deal. He rejected a $48 million contract offered to him in April and recently turned down a two-year contract in light of his want for a three-year extension. With the free agency deadline approaching quickly, there is a good chance that the player and the team, to whom he has devoted over 13 years, will have to part ways. While fans would certainly be not happy with this news, one would also question the current thought process of the Warriors roster, especially that of its lead scorer Stephen Curry.
Back in April 2024, the Warriors had gotten themselves eliminated from the tournament after losing at the hands of the Sacramento Kings. With rumors already swirling that Klay Thompson might enter free agency, people had started to question whether this was the last time they saw the golden trio of Thompson, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green together on the court. Highlighting the possible bleak scenario that might turn into reality in the future, Curry stated that he cannot speak for what decisions the team management will make going forward. When speaking about himself, however, the player refused to imagine even a hypothetical scenario without Thompson or Green.
“I can never see myself not with (Klay and Draymond) … We’ve experienced so much together,” said Curry. “At the end of the day, I know they want to win. I know I want to win. That’s all I’m worried about.”
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have shared a bond that only a few NBA players may have experienced with their respective teammates. Popularly known as the Splash Brothers, the duo have created a reputation of being the children of former NBA players who have risen to be named amongst the greatest shooters of the league. Knowing what Thompson means to the Warriors, and him personally, the last thing that Curry would want is to see this bond break. Steph made the above-mentioned remarks more than two months ago. Now, with the situation heading toward Klay Thompson becoming a free agent, he has not chosen to provide his thoughts on the current scenario.
With negotiations between the player and the franchise currently at a freeze, a call has been for both entities to move on from each other. During a recent segment of NBA on ESPN, former Warriors head coach Mark Jackson stated that the best course of action would be to have a “Fresh Start for Klay Thompson, a fresh start for the Golden State Warriors”.
Stephen Curry may have used the ‘Nostalgia’ factor to convince Klay Thompson to stay
As mentioned above, Stephen Curry is yet to speak out on Klay Thompson possibly exiting the Warriors. However, he may have indirectly made an effort to convince his ‘Splash Brother’ to not leave quite so soon.
Around the 13 of June, the 10x NBA All-Star and his father Dell released another episode of their newly launched ‘Heat Check’ podcast. During the conversation, the four-time NBA champion proceeded to discuss the trio of him, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green that have helped the Warriors franchise attain new heights. He described the overall experience of being a part of this group for more than a decade as being “crazy”. Along with praising how the partnership efficiently worked on the court, he also appreciated how the trio were deeply involved in each other’s personal lives as well.
“Because we play so long, we’ve seen so many different versions of our group in the sense of even like we all have families now, most of us have kids” Curry stated during the episode. “It’s just wild to know, you know, how special this bond has been and what we’ve created.”
By emphasizing the special bond, the player is reminding his fans, and maybe even Thompson, that what the trio created is not easily replicated. If this emotional appeal with not tug the heart of the shooting guard, then probably nothing else will.
Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.