Klay Thompson left due to contract talks that fell apart. The Warriors prioritized younger players, leaving him feeling overlooked and undervalued.
While Curry and Green received strong deals, Klay was offered less. He hoped for a long-term deal showing respect for his years with the team.
Klay's role shifted drastically as he was benched for the first time since his rookie season, causing frustration and questioning his importance.
Despite returning from major injuries, Klay saw fewer minutes and was no longer central to the team’s strategy, which deeply affected him.
Younger players took over key minutes, and his defensive drop-off post-injury hurt his standing, impacting his confidence and game presence.
The Warriors’ final offer was two years, $24M per year—far less than he expected. He saw it as a sign the team no longer saw him as vital.
Klay chose Dallas for a three-year, $50M deal and a bigger role. It gave him both stability and a sense of being valued again.
Playing with Kyrie and Anthony Davis, Klay seeks one more ring. For him, it’s about respect, role, and a shot at another championship run.
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