NBC Sports (DR) / ESPN (DR)
By Guillaume K. | Sports journalist
After 13 seasons of loyal service, Klay Thompson left the Warriors to join Dallas and the Mavericks. Before that, he made a big request to Stephen Curry that made his decision a lot easier. A page is turning in the San Francisco Bay Area.
No one believed it, and yet, the Warriors have indeed decided to separate the trio that wrote the history of the franchise… Klay Thompson has experienced everything alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, but at 34, he’s going to have to pack his bags and move on. While some rumors were announcing a low interest in the market for the triggerman, the Splash Bro has finally committed to Dallas.
And this departure is likely to be talked about for a while, since Golden State fans are divided between those who believe that it is a logical decision in the face of its sporting decline, and those who believe that the management should have rewarded the rear for everything he brought to the dynasty, notably with his legendary Games 6.
Klay Thompson’s Demand to Steph Curry Before His Departure
A question arises the day after this eventful signing: what does Stephen Curry think about it? Well, he certainly had to expect it, because according to Anthony Slater of The AthleticKlay would have made a very specific request to him, favoring his departure. It was visibly respected, or the Chief does not weigh heavily in the franchise.
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Klay Thompson told Steph Curry not to demand that the front office pay him, per @anthonyVslater
“I was told that Klay requested of Steph, ‘Don’t exert your influence. Don’t demand that they do right by me financially. I want them to, want to [do that on their own]'”
(Via… pic.twitter.com/LoTtnQb8ct
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 2, 2024
I’m told Klay Thompson asked Stephen Curry, “Don’t use your influence. Don’t ask them to pay me what I deserve. I want them to do it themselves.”
Stephen Curry has never been one to get involved in the business of his managers, but to save his long-time partner, he could have made an exception and demanded Klay Thompson’s extension, no matter the asking price. But it was the latter who allegedly asked the Chief not to get involved, he wanted to feel wanted by Mike Dunleavy Jr., as a proof of loyalty.
But this attitude, which almost makes the Warriors seem ungrateful, should not make us forget an important fact: Klay Thompson was paid more than 67 million by the franchise between 2019 and 2021, the years of his serious injuries. His leaders have already been generous with him, they simply wanted to change course to optimize Stephen Curry’s last years at the top.
Klay Thompson could have extended with the Warriors if Stephen Curry had demanded it from his management. But the Splash Bro didn’t want a pity contract, he wanted to feel seriously wanted by the franchise’s decision-makers.
2024-07-02 20:30:00
#departure #Klay #Thompsons #request #Steph #Curry #Dont #use..
